North Carolina's Songs of Water has been creating music together since 2002, yet their distinct and evocative sound carries roots from the most ancient of cultures. This seven-piece ensemble delicately blends instrumentation from across the globe in a uniquely American context. The uncommon use of the hammered dulcimer melodically leads many of the group's instrumental pieces, followed by the resonance of various acoustic instruments and a brooding foundation of heavy percussion. Layers of orchestral strings and sparse vocals create a cinematic appeal to the otherwise raw expression of musical composition.
Songs of Water has independently released two full-length albums to date which have been met with considerable praise. The band has been featured on NPR's "The State of Things", Fiona Richie's "Thistle & Shamrock", and WNCW's Music Mix with Martin Anderson. Reaching across the ocean, music from the band's sophomore release, "The Sea Has Spoken", has been aired on the U.K. radio show "Reach On Air".
Songs of Water has performed on Michael Johnathan's WoodSongs Old Time Radio Show in Lexington, KY, The LEAF Festival in Black Mountain, NC, and Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival, and has shared the stage with artists such as bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs, John Mark McMillan, Sounds Familyr recording artists Ben + Vesper, and Aradhna.
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Currently the band is performing in the Southeast and writing material for a fall 2012 release.
Songs of Water CD Release Promo Video
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Luminitsa by Songs of Water Live at Wake Forest University November 2008
Mufafa's Kitchen performed at The Evening Muse June 20th 2008
Songs of Water Live at the Tosco Music Party in September 2007
Reviews
I think sometimes, when we judge music, it becomes easy to weigh the value of an album based on its lyrical content. I would go as far to say that often times, the integrity of the instrumentation is overshadowed by the emotions laced within the lyrics. That being said, Songs Of Water's forthcoming sophomore album, The Sea Has Spoken, is one of the most vibrant musical works I have heard in the last three years. Mostly without lyrics, the music produces a unique language, allowing the violin to tell a story or the mandolin to share a dance; the fiddle to take you on a journey or the percussion to beat beneath your skin.
At first glance, Songs Of Water, which is an eight-member band ranging in talent from the hacky sack to the shruti box, is akin to bands like Old School Freight Train, Nickel Creek, and Punch Brothers. It's that easily recognizable folk experience, deeply rooted in the belly of a banjo and refined by the elegance of a violin. But the breadth and ability of this band is so much more than that.
The Sea Has Spoken begins with "Everything That Rises," which starts off with the hammered dulcimer, then layers a foundation for the violin to become the focal point of the song. Played by both Marta Richardson and Luke Skaggs, the violin also becomes the cynosure in songs like "Bread and Circus" and "Sycamore." But let's talk more about the hammered dulcimer. It's described as an "Appalachian folk instrument," but I don't think that quite gives it justice. In the right hands, which happen to be Steven Roach's, the instrument can produce sounds that mimic the robustness of bagpipes, the fluidity of the piano, the dropping of rain on a tin roof, and still be crisp enough to remind you that it's made of strings.
"Window Seat" is one the songs I was most intrigued by because of the shift in focus towards the guitar and the creation of a flair found in more Spanish-influenced music, like that of Rodrigo y Gabriela. This sound is even more prominent on the song "Luminitsa," and is due in large part to the influence of Jason Windsor, whose range of play on the strings is remarkable. Also of note, "The Great Russian Catastrophe" is just one of the songs that drifts away from folk and instead carries a more Eastern melody involving the domra (think Russian mandolin). The sound of the strings is so distinct and rich, it leaves the taste of metal on your tongue.
The band is experimental, too, showing signs of curiosity and texture building in songs like, "Beneath The Sleeping City" and "Belly Of The Whale," which use sounds of shoes striking sidewalks and heavy percussion fused with chime-like noises.
"Sycamore" is the first time we hear lyrics, and it happens again on the final song, "Willow." Roach's singing is soft and muffled in static, but becomes clear and high as the song goes on. I love the harmonizing of Sarah Stephens, and was pleasantly surprised to hear the vocals drape over the instrumentation without tainting the music.
As you listen to The Sea Has Spoken, you'll find that the depth of each song creates a kaleidoscope effect. Wherein, at one moment you feel that you are walking on a cliff against the sea, and the next you find yourself meandering through a circus tent. I love lyrics as much as the next person, but find myself incredibly moved and enraptured by the work of Songs Of Water.
Posted by Blue Indian March 2010
Songs Of Water - The Sea Has Spoken
2010, Songs Of Water
Just two months into the year, we're ready to declare that Songs Of Water's The Sea Has Spoken is one of the most finely crafted (mostly) instrumental albums for the year. Others may come along and vie for the crown, but it's going to be tough to take it out of Songs Of Water's hands. Mixing and melding Classical, Celtic, Bluegrass and New Age styles into a coherent sound around highly original compositions, Songs Of Water has far and away surpassed their self-titled 2008 debut. It doesn't hurt having much of the Skaggs family sitting in throughout the album (son Luke is a member of Songs Of Water), but Ricky Skaggs and two other members of the Skaggs clan ad instrumental support without impinging on Songs Of Water's highly original sound. The Sea Has Spoken drops on March 26, 2010.
From the opening notes of "Everything That Rises" you'll know you're in for a different experience than on most pure instrumental albums. Hammered dulcimer, violin and guitar entertain in an energetic musical conversation that is as uplifting as the song title might imply, even amidst the note of relinquished sorrow that runs through the main theme. The musicianship here is absolutely incredible, a symphony of sounds gained by non-symphonic means. "Bread And Circus" ranges from modern to antiquity, sounding at times like the sort of chamber music that once entertained European illuminati. "Window Seat" makes use of contrapuntal rhythms and soaring passages that evoke vivid images in your mind; a sort of soundtrack to dreams you don't quite remember. Stephen Roach steps forward on vocals for "Sycamore"; a pleasantly mellow tune that's a nice change of pace but doesn't carry the same vibrancy as the instrumental work on The Sea Has Spoken.
"The Great Russian Catastrophe" is highly rhythmic with heavy Slavic influences that are quite enjoyable, but "Through The Dead Wood" takes the manic rhythms a step further as a thoroughly percussion-based composition that is nothing short of amazing. Fans of groups like Rusted Root in particular will love what Songs Of Water has going on here. Bluegrass chutes push through beneath "The Family Tree", an amazingly lyric composition full of some of the tightest, most precise musicianship on the album. For all of that fine control, not an ounce of spirit is lost. "Luminitsa" plays like the musings of a Romani Bard, blending Spanish, Middle Eastern and Eastern European musical elements into a style that's instantly foreign yet familiar. "Luminitsa" brings an air of mystery to The Sea Has Spoken, dark and beautiful and ever so slightly out of reach. "Hwyl" carries with it a distinctly urgent feel, tearing along at breakneck speed as Songs Of Water heads into the final stretch home. "Belly Of The Whale" plays on the Biblical tale with a mystic mix of rhythm, ambience and truncated instrumentation. "The Sea Has Spoken" is a resigned if not mournful undulation that seems more a running monologue than a time-oriented pronouncement. The title track is a thing of beauty, slow in pace and measure; deriving beautiful arcs of melody, particularly from the violin. Songs Of Water closes out with the plaintive "Willow", the second and final track featuring vocals on the album. The cyclic nature of the mandolin part and the cadence of the melody seem to speak of the eternal ebb and pull of the ocean on the earth, or the wind through the trees. The song is elemental in feel and emotional impact, winding down the album almost as day blends into night.
Songs Of Water made is very apparent with their self-titled debut that they were a band not to be taken lightly. They could easily have trod the same ground they did on Songs Of Water, but instead chose to continue wading deeper into their muse. Consequently, The Sea Has Spoken shall be spoken of in terms of brilliance. The nuances and shading in the music are unusual in anything like the popular realm; the blending of styles such as bluegrass, world and classical is uncommon if not unique. In spite of the lack of a distinct genre to hang their hats on, I wouldn't be surprised if Songs Of Water were named in company with bands such as The Chieftains one day.
Wildy's World March 2010
Songs of Water Here's an eclectic musical ensemble featuring multiple instruments with multiple players. Songs of Water take detours to the musical realms of the Middle East and Asia while collecting multi-cultural sounds along the way with an improv-driven weave of jazz, acoustic, classical and world music. The end result is often gorgeous and contemplative where the compositions are further perked with percussive intonations. (Shukla) - Creative Loafing, Charlotte NC June 18 2008
Stairwell Sessions featuring Stephen Roach from Songs of Water,with Ricky Skaggs, Luke Skaggs and Leonard Jones
