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Credits:
All titles composed, performed and produced by Julia Taylor-Stanley.
Programming, additional arrangements and performance by Ian Lynn
Viola and Violin by Alison Taylor
orchestral performances by The Merlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Lead Vocals by Shelagh and Sheryle Gwynfar
Vocal arrangements on tracks 2 and 3 by Miriam Stockley
Backing vocals on tracks 2 and 3 by Miriam Stockley and Shelagh & Sheryle
Merlin's narration by Joss Ackland
Track 13 mixed by Tim Summerhays
Produced by Julia Taylor-Stanley
Executive producer Ian Lynn
Miriam Stockley appears by kind permission of Virgin Records
All Illustrations by Jonathan Gunson and Martin Coombe
Art Direction Doerte Lau
Design Andreas Adamec, Wolfgang Fenchel
Reviews:
Alkaemy is comprised of three women, Sheryle and Shelach Gwynfar, and Julia Taylor-Stanley. The music is
both captivating and intriguing, blending melodic new-age ambience with a majestic tale of the wizard and his
missing wand. While most of the tracks are simply Celtic-influenced instrumentals with narration every now and
then, the band does venture into the British ambient-rock soundscape with "Le Morte D'Arthur," a beautifully
written track that magically transcends the borders between new-age and pop-rock. And if you are a fan of the
style of music Enya has made commonly popular, "The Wand Of Alchemy" is right up your alley.
No, this is not a release for the average rock music listener, but those of you that truly embrace the virtues
and qualities of new-age and progressively influenced rock need hear this album. And while you're at the
Sonic mages website, try one of many "Babylon 5" soundtrack CDs (if you haven't already!). The releases
at Sonic Images and Earthtone Records may just make a new-age fan out of you yet.
Wes Royer
Online Music Magazine
February 1999
While listening to this wonderful album, full of beautiful and mystical music, as if by some magic spell of Merlin we
are taken to the ancient times, more than a thousand years ago. The magical force brings us to legendary land of
Camelot, land of King Arthur, mighty magician Merlin and noble, brave Knights of the Round Table. Pictures of the
ancient legends appear before our mind's eye, various episodes and places. The castle Tintagel, the birth of King
Arthur, magical Stonehenge, the Cave of Merlin, the Stone with a Sword, which was taken out by Arthur when he
had to prove that he was a real King, heroic deeds and ancient battles Merlin himself leads us through this world
of ancient legends, helping us to plunge into the atmosphere of magic and mystery
All this mystical beauty was presented to us by a famous and very talented person: songwriter and pianist Julia
Taylor-Stanley. The music of The Merlin Mystery was composed by her namely in Tintagel, the legendary birth
place of King Arthur. Undoubtedly she was inspired by just being in this places, among the ancient stones, which
can tell a lot of interesting things you just need to listen attentively Many musicians devoted their works to King
Arthur, Merlin and their time. But Julia Taylor-Stanley succeeded to make something very special, very original
and beautiful. Her music is really mystical, magical, romantic and breathtaking. The texts of vocal compositions
do not concede to the music; they are beautiful, substantial and reflect the spirit of the album. Still, maybe the
author's idea and concept would not be realized so beautifully and completely if in the creation of The Merlin
Mystery together with Julia Taylor-Stanley would not take part such perfect musicians as vocalists Shelach and
Sheryle Gwynfar, whose singing immediately remind us of the best works by Enya and Clannad, Miriam Stockley
(vocals and arrangements), Ian Lynn (programming, additional arrangements and performance), Alison Taylor
(Viola and Violin), Joss Ackland (Merlins narration) and The Merlin Philarmonic Orchestra. Together these
musicians have made a real symphony, containing the alchemical mixture of modern and ancient sounds and
spirit - in the very best sense!
This spirit is strongly supported by a beautiful cover design of the album. But this is not all. The listeners of the
album have a chance to solve a mystery hidden in the album and win a jewel-encrusted Merlin wand and a large
cash reward! Still, I should say that the album itself is a precious gift to a real music lover. It is one of the best
examples of visual music , because this music is full of bright and beautiful pictures. This is a characteristic of
music of new time, new age, real future. So, do not miss The Merlin Mystery; visit the ancient magical and
mysterious time, and solve the hidden mystery!
Alexander Petrov
Musical Gazzette (Republic of Belarus)
December 1999
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