MIRRORS

Sally Oldfield (b. 1947), about six years older than her more famous brother Mike, started her musical career in the late 60's acoustic duo Sallyangie -- with Mike, who of course was very young at the time. It took a long time for Sally to enter the music business as a solo artist; in the interim she sang the angelic vocals of 'Shadow of the Hierophant' on Steve Hackett's debut album in 1975, and on Pekka Pohjola's Keesojen Lehto (1977) where Mike Oldfield was the main collaborator. In 1978, signed to Bronze, she finally released her debut album Water Bearer. Both tracks on this single are taken from that album, which I believe has remained her best known album despite having several good followers in her respectable discography. Like her brothers (Terry, born in 1949, is mainly a New Age artist), Sally Oldfield is very much an artistically independent, multi-instrumental artist who is the main producer and performer for her self- composed music.

'Mirrors' was a successful debut single: it peaked at #19 in the UK Singles Chart and remained in that chart for thirteen weeks. I don't remember hearing it on the Finnish radio (perhaps it was played but I was just too young to pay attention), but the album was a bit later often seen in second hand record shops -- whether a good or a bad sign --, and I have also come across the song on various artists compilations. 'Mirrors' is a joyful, Celtic-flavoured celebration of life. In addition to her crystal-clear vocals that flow like honey, the bright soundscape leans strongly on glockenspiel and other percussion. It's adequate to compare the song to the light, folk-oriented recordings that Mike had done amidst his epic albums, as well as to the certain arrangement details on Hergest Ridge and Ommadawn.

'Night of the Hunter's Moon' has a lot in common with 'Mirrors', but also notable differences. In the place of open- hearted joy there's a sense of nocturnal adventure. The arrangement is more varied, perhaps slightly patchy here and there. Mandolin and Moog bass, both played by Sally, are very central in the sound. Whether referring to the whole album or to this single, such a good introduction of this all too forgotten artist.