Salva Nos (Save Us)by Anonymous

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November 02, 2000: In a word, beautiful. The Mediaeval Baebes are 12 women who present here songs from the 12th through 16th centuries, with arrangements largely by Katherine Blake, their music director. Spare but effective instrumentation is used on four tracks, but the bulk of the disc is formed by the luscious voices and harmonies of the ladies. Katherine Blake has solo vocals on ?An Adult Lullaby? (listed as the earliest known lullaby, from the 14th century, and one of the most haunting pieces I?ve heard in some time), the title track, ?Verbum Caro,? and ?Miri It Is.? Blake also plays recorders, fellow Baebe Nichole Sleet plays tambourine, and Dorothy Carter helps out on hurdy-gurdy and dulcimer. Moods range from innocently playful (?Ah Si Mon Moine?) to wickedly playful (?Verbum Caro?), to ineffably mysterious (?Lo, Here My Heart.?) An additional point of interest is that nine of the 16 tracks were produced by Matthew Fisher, of Procol Harum fame; the others were done by Declan Colgan. Kate Bush fans should check this one out, as well as those who enjoy the softer side of Jethro Tull. And, if I may be permitted an observation, based on the liner photos, they are, indeed, ?Baebes.?

This review was written about the CD edition.