“Let The Light In” is the set of compositions by the wonderful Spell Songs collective. Spell Songs II brings together top British folk and African music artists to deliver exquisite poetry and melodies in a delightful chamber folk type of atmosphere.
The beautiful songs on “Let The Light In” are inspired by the books ‘The Lost Words’ and ‘The Lost Spells’ by best-selling and prize-winning British author Robert Macfarlane and acclaimed illustrator and author Jackie Morris. Macfarlane and Morris wisely hand-picked the artists to participate in this project.
The seven musicians featured on Spell Songs II are talented singer-songwriters and instrumentalists, including Karine Polwart on vocals, tenor guitar and Indian harmonium; Julie Fowlis on vocals, whistles and oboe; Seckou Keita on vocals and kora; Kris Drever on vocals, acoustic and electric guitars and bass; Rachel Newton on vocals, electroharp, acoustic harp and viola; Beth Porter on vocals, cello, ukulele and recorder; and Jim Molyneux on vocals, piano, Rhodes, synthesizers, drums and percussion.
The wide range of vocal styles is truly captivating, including intimate, graceful lead vocals, masterful interwoven harmonies, and finely-crafted call and response interaction. The seven artists came up with thoughtful lyrics that celebrate nature and bring attention to the harm we are doing to the natural world through climate change and uncontrolled development.
The charming music is pure magic, combining English and Scottish folk, Senegalese music, folk rock and a mesmerizing collection of soft voices, the wildlife sounds of red foxes (fox illustrations are featured throughout the book), various birdsongs, and a moth as well as the sound of children participating in Edinburgh’s school climate strike in 2019.
The beautifully packaged “Let The Light In” is a kindhearted call to re-connect with nature and wildlife. In this case, the physical version of the album is the most desired. The CD is included in a stunning hard cover book with lyrics, liner notes, and wondrous illustrations.
“Let The Light In” also comprises a set of gorgeous music videos.
“We grew up with Elephant Hawkmoths in our back garden, and I remember the ‘oobits’ (Scots for caterpillar) cocooning themselves in our porch one year before emerging mossy green, raspberry pink and beautiful,” says Spell Songs singer Karine Polwart about the song “Moth”. “Truth be told, they intrigued and terrified me in equal measure as a wee girl. I harbor to this day a near-panic response to moths and butterflies in confined spaces, but we need to learn to love and value the creatures we fear and disregard, as much as all the rest, and to notice their absence too. So, let’s call this a moth mantra for banishing fear and conjuring delight.”
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.