Spell Songs – Gifts of Light (Hudson Records, 2023)
Gifts of Light by Spell Songs seamlessly combines music, literature, and art, inspired by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris’s acclaimed works. It features a highly talented ensemble of world-class musicians, including Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever, Rachel Newton, Beth Porter and Jim Molyneux. The graceful and moving, digital-only, live album captures the essence of Spell Songs’ powerful and outstanding performances in 2021 and 2022.
During the tour, artist Jackie Morris, the honorary eighth member, painted live on stage, adding a visual dimension to the music. Jackie Morris said: “It’s not easy to paint with an audience. Learning the shape of an otter is like learning music. Repetition and looking, looking and learning, as the words and the shape of the otter fit together with the rhythm of the music, and it seems as if something magical is happening.”
Recorded at Birmingham Symphony Hall and the Hintze Hall of the Natural History Museum, the album reflects Spell Songs’ commitment to nature, raising over £105,000 for the museum’s Urban Nature Project. “To hear Spell Songs’ music reverberating through the Natural History Museum was a moment of pure joy. It was a truly incredible experience,” stated Katy Payne, Head of Special Events at the Natural History Museum.
Significantly, the remarkable performances present a unique mix of sounds from various traditions, from English folk and Celtic music to other forms of world music from various corners of the world. In addition, the ensemble used a wide range of musical instruments like the kora, electroharp, cello, and Indian harmonium.
This long-awaited album offers a mesmerizing experience, with standing ovations and a range of emotions from audiences, making it a golden opportunity to connect with nature through Spell Songs’ enchanting music.
“There is a rare, dear beauty to these songs, born of friendships and collaboration renewed after a time of deprivation, this music echoes with both joy and sorrow.” Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris.
Buy Gifts of Light.
Biographies
Robert Macfarlane is a fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge, and the author of bestselling and prize-winning books, including The Wild Places, The Old Ways, Holloway, Landmarks and Underland: A Deep Time Journey. His work has been translated into many languages and widely adapted for film, television, and radio. The American Academy of Arts and Letters awarded him the E.M Forster Award for Literature, 2017. Other awards include Guardian First Book Award, Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year, Scottish non-fiction book of the year, and twice shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize.
Jackie Morris is the Winner of the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal 2019. Jackie grew up in the Vale of Evesham and studied at the Hereford College of Arts and at Bath Academy. She has illustrated for the New Statesman, Independent and Guardian, collaborated with Ted Hughes, and has written and illustrated over 40 books, including beloved classics such as The Snow Leopard, The Ice Bear, Song of the Golden Hare, Tell me a Dragon, East of the Sun, West of the Moon and The Wild Swans.
Rachel Newton earned the prestigious title of BBC Radio 2 Folk Musician of the Year in 2017 and was honored as the Scots Trad Music Award Instrumentalist of the Year in 2016. Beyond her solo endeavors, Rachel is a founding member of The Shee, The Furrow Collective, and Heal & Harrow, highlighting her skill as a versatile collaborator.
Beth Porter is a prominent cellist within the UK folk and acoustic scene, Beth is a key figure in The Bookshop Band, a musical duo celebrated for crafting songs inspired by literature. These compositions find a frequent stage at bookshop gigs, solidifying Beth’s standing as a well-regarded artist in the genre.
Jim Molyneux, from Lancashire and currently based in East London, is a multifaceted talent, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, composer, and producer. Highly sought after for his skills as a drummer, keyboardist, and vocalist in various live performances, radio, TV, and theater productions, Jim has lent his talents to notable artists such as Lucy Rose, KittyMacfarlane, and Bow Anderson. Operating under the moniker EMBLM, Jim not only produces but also releases his own original songs. His achievements include reaching the Grand Final of the BBC Young Musician of the Year, triumphing in the percussion final.
Learn more about Karine Polwart, Julie Fowlis, Seckou Keita, Kris Drever.
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.