The Gothard Sisters - Moment In Time

'Moment In Time' came out in October 2025 and this excellent album has been on frequent rotation for yours truly. It is The Gothard Sisters' 17th full-length, quite a remarkable feat across their 20-year recording career which began with 'Christmas Violins' in 2006. The Gothard Sisters is a trio from Washington State consisting of the three sisters Solana, Willow and Greta. Influenced by Celtic music and dancing at an early age they all quickly learned to play various instruments as well as mastering the technique of the dance Oireachtas. Playing and performing locally for several years they eventually brought out the aforementioned 'Christmas Violins' and the rest is history as the saying goes...which bring us to 'Moment In Time'.

 

The album begins with the title track 'Moment In Time' where violin, acoustic guitar and djembe backs Solana as her wonderful voice guides us through this brilliant composition. Well-written and well-performed Celtic folk music always paints amazing images and that's what The Gothard Sisters offers. 'Adventurer' follows and it is an instrumental and captivating creation with the violin taking centre stage. Telling a wordless tale the song opens your mind allowing you to conjure your own path sonically and visually another trait I personally hold in high regard with Celtic music. Instrumental compositions within this sphere are usually fantastic any which way you look at it. 'Adventurer' is no exception especially since it has me dancing...and I'm not a dancer! 'Lavender Moon' is a soft, suggestive and inspiring song with Willow and Greta harmonizing wonderfully backing up Solana. As the title suggests this song is relaxing and spiritually uplifting. A light spirited beginning takes 'Second Breakfast' away. Can only speculate if this song is inspired by the hobbits' delight in eating based on its name, regardless The Gothard Sisters  always paint amazing images and that has not changed on 'Second Breakfast', on the contrary. Set out, don't hesitate and take a chance. 'Into The Mystery' might be a walk into the unknown but all will be well. A beautiful song, indeed. Picking on the guitar as the violin takes 'Storyteller' away as it gradually builds up. Instrumental yet vivid as wonderful images are being painted. And again I dance something which is highly unusual.

One of many great traits by The Gothard Sisters is that they compose so many uplifting and positive songs both lyrically and musically. 'Renaissance' is a perfect example of this. It moves through my body and I feel myself becoming relaxed and rejuvenated simultaneously. 'Healer' follows the same path by being mesmerizing and strengthening in its slow yet healing approach. Brilliant! 'Golden Secrets' finds the band picking up the pace and again those dance shoes magically appears. Perhaps the trio can sort out my two right feet eventually. All joking aside, it is impossible to sit still listening to 'Golden Secrets' and the stories it tells. 'See You Down The Road' is a lamentation of sorts and yet not. Friends leave but if the friendship is strong you'll meet again. 'New Horizons' is instrumental, very danceable and slightly faster than its predecessor and it brings forth images of opportunities, possibilities and improvement. 'Follow The Wind' closes out this wonderful album. Take the step and new positive changes awaits so don't be afraid.

 

17 albums into a long productive career and The Gothard Sisters still keeps their music poignant, interesting and quite beautiful. 'Moment In Time' shows impeccable musicianship, unrestrained and free-flowing songwriting and insatiable hunger to keep composing and performing at the highest level. If you, dear wave rider, have never listened to The Gothard Sisters this album is an excellent start and then work your way through their discography. You won't be disappointed, on the contrary!

 

-Swedebeast