Caught in a Spell review

Old readers of this blog will recall a character I worked with called Mr T. We have both since moved departments and buildings but last week I caught up with T and I gave him our  CD  to listen to ...Now two Yules ago T slated our single release Days of Winter he told us some home truths that hurt at the time but it was T at his most brutally honest. A Music afficianado he has been around the block a few times and has a great musical taste be it a little to Jazz in my opinion .The bloke knows what is what so I was surprised to get this unprompted review that I'd like to share......

T wrote.......

Bazza, I've listened to the whole cd twice since i got home. You should all be proud of what you have accomplished. It's meant to be MY album review so if you're not happy with it don't publish it(?) but feel free to to do with it what you wish.



Cheers T



Caught In a Spell Review


Have you ever had that Susan Boyle moment? You know what I mean, that moment when you see or hear something that you weren’t quite expecting and it makes your jaw drop and your conscience and mind, kind of goes into a spasm, not quite comprehending what’s going on.
Well I had my moment this afternoon on the M25 between the M40 and Heathrow whilst I was listening to the opening song, The Park, on Spriggan Mist’s new cd Caught in a Spell. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a complete nubie to the Spriggan, hey I was there (in spirit) at their inception and heard the inaugural songs, warts and all. But I haven’t listened to them for a long time.
No what I mean is I couldn’t get my head around how far they have come. The album exudes warmth and love and at times good old joie de vivre (take a bow Spriggan Dance). I had to keep reminding myself that the members of the band are not professional musicians and so much the better. For crying out loud they even have a six and nine year old making guest appearances!
The music comes from the heart and not the wallet.
The Park with it’s brooding atmosphere draws you in and entices the listener to behold the magical world of a faraway place inhabited by ‘ Faery’ folk and their ilk, before grabbing you by the short and curlies… the rest of you has to follow!
Earth Calling, dear old Earth Calling emits flavours of the East fused with the medieval troubadour sound embellished by 21st century artistry, again magical. Indigo Child, probably my favourite track. I once poured scorn on the vocals. I still stand by the criticism, but wow what a transformation , now the vocals sound warm, confident and strong, no longer a wannabe Maria Muldaur ( remember her). This girl can sing.
Faery Queen, melts the heart, a touch of genius to include Brianna’s vocal. Spriggan Dance closely follows Indigo Child as one of my favourites, played as tightly as any headlining band you care to mention. It made me smile and if I hadn’t been in the car I’d have grabbed the first woman I came across by the hand and led her a merry dance (or at least I’d have thought about it).


Overall a terrific first album and this coming from a jazz head. I have 10,349 tracks on my ipod it’s just gone up to 10,358. The band nestle between Special EFX and Spyro Gyra (Morning Dance anybody?).


If I have one criticism it would be that I never got a signed copy!
I’ll be dropping a fiver into the cancer collection box tomorrow in lieu of payment.


Mr T.

thanks T much appreciated