On Saturday afternoon, I received a last minute request to work with Loreena McKennitt on the following day. Of course I said yes and Sunday morning, I had the pleasure of spending a good part of the day with Loreena as she was interviewed about her new album 'The Wind That Shakes The Barley'.
I'm lucky to have worked with Loreena on and off for the past 8 years and though I wish it were more often, Loreena is as down to earth as they come and does not tour with a personal makeup artist. That said, she does understand the importance of makeup for videos and interviews and when she does need an artist, she has called on me.
In 2002 I traveled with her to Winnipeg for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth ll, in 2006 to Granada, Spain to work on her live performance video 'Nights from the Alhambra', in 2007 on part of her 'An Ancient Muse Tour' to film the documentary, 'A Movable Musical Feast' and in 2010 to Vancouver for the XXI Winter Olympics opening ceremonies.
While the above mentioned interviews are not glamorous as far as makeup goes, working with Loreena is most rewarding in other ways. During these tapings, I've come to understand just why this incredible artist, who is far more appreciated in other countries than our own, is a hero to artists around the world. Loreena is self-managed, self-produced, and the head of her own internationally successful record label, Quinlan Road. I'm inspired every time I work with her...she is truly a Canadian treasure.
If you've never heard Loreena sing, you're in for a treat. Listening to her is like taking a magical and mystical adventure to exotic lands. Below is her performance of 'The Mummer's Dance' from the 'Nights from the Alhambra' video. Enjoy!
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