by Heather Phares
On Circle of Moons, Bill Douglas returns with 13 compositions imbued with his melodic versatility and sensitivity. This album delves deeper into the Celtic foundations of Douglas' music, expressed through dreamy synth textures as well as bassoon, flute, cello, English horn, and piano accents. Adding to the romantic, evocative atmosphere of Circle of Moons are the Boulder-based Ars Nova singers, whose charged harmonies on "Heaven Is a Wild Flower" give the poetic sentiments of William Blake a new, exultant setting. Circle of Moons brings emotion and technology together for an innovative and appealing interpretation of Celtic music on songs like the title track, "Sweet Dancer," "Highstep," and "Azure."