As they have done with previous works, Ritchie Blackmore and Candice Night have used traditional melodies and uniquely blended them with contemporary music to produce a style of music best defined as Renaissance Folk Rock. As before, Ritchie Blackmore's brilliant guitar is complemented by Candice Night's lyrics and vocals.

The album Secret Voyage consists of twelve brand new tracks. Their latest offering has apparently been inspired by nature and incorporates both acoustic and electric guitars, strings and renaissance instruments.

History of the band:

The ban originated in 1990 when Candice Night was working at a New York radio station. She met Ritchie Blackmore at a soccer game in which he was playing. The two realised they shared an interest in the Renaissance and subsequently entered into a relationship.

Ritchie Blackmore left Deep Purple in 1993 and two years later he recorded the album Stranger in Us All. Candice Night sang backing vocals and contributed to some of the lyrics.

It was at this point that Blackmore became interested in the idea of bringing Renaissance music to a contemporary audience. He decided that Night's personality and voice made her the natural choice as lead singer. They launched their new band in 1997, with session musicians rounding out the line-up.

The first album, Shadow of the Moon, was a success. As the band continued, rock guitar became more and more influential although - paradoxically - Night contributed more in the way of Renaissance instruments.

The group performs at Renaissance events, as well as touring in their own right. They tend to favour castles as venues and their audience will typically dress in period costume. The success of the band has even spawned two tribute bands - Renaissance Night and Italian Morning Star.

Discography:

Shadow of the Moon (1997)

Under a Violet Moon (1999)

Fires at Midnight (2001)

Ghost of a Rose (2003)

Past Times with Good Company (2003) (Live)

Beyond the Sunset: The Romantic Collection (2004) (Compilation)

Castles and Dreams (2005) (DVD - Live)

The Village Lanterne (2006)

Winter Carols (2006)

Paris Moon (2007) (DVD - Live)

Paris Moon (2007) (Live)

Secret Voyage (2008)

Current band members:

Ritchie Blackmore - guitars, mandolin, domra

Candice Night - vocals, horn, flute

Bard David of larchmont - keyboards

Squire Malcolm of Lumley (Malcolm Dick) - drums

Gypsy Rose - Violin

Earl Grey of Chemey - Bass, mandolin and guitar

Former band members

Sisters of the Moon: Lady Madeline and Lady Nancy (Madeline and Nancy Posner) - backing vocals

Lord Marnen of Wolfhurst (Marnen Laibow-Koser) - violin, flute, recorder

Chris Devine - violin, flute, guitar

Carmine Giglio - keyboards

Mike Sorrentino - percussion

Sir Robert of Normandie (Robert Curiano) - bass, guitars

Tudor Rose (Tina Chancey) - violin, flute

Mick Cervino - bassist

Marci Geller

Adam Forgione

Alex Alexander

Jessie Haynes - guitars and backing vocals

Lady Rraine (Lorraine Ferro) - harmony vocals

Baron St James