Mysterious, magical, healing, seductive, dangerous, sacred, strange, wonderful… My new album 13 Witches portrays various characteristics of famous witches from history and legend.
Goddesses and sorceresses from the ancient world provide a grounding for some tracks. “Isis” conjures the ritualistic feel of ancient Egypt. “Circe” gives us the laid-back vibe of the island enchantress from The Odyssey. The meditative sounds of “Hecate” evoke the stillness of night, befitting the Greek goddess who presided over magic and the moon.
Witches from folklore appear in two tracks. A light, jaunty mood pervades “Morgan le Fay,” named for the fairy who served as King Arthur’s magical savior and protector. The fearsome “Baba Yaga” from Slavic folklore borrows material from Mussorgsky’s composition “The Hut on Fowl’s Legs.”
Actual historic witches are also represented. The past comes to life through the haunting melancholy of “Tituba,” inspired by the indigenous healer accused during the Salem Witch Trials. “Marie Laveau” offers a slow, seductive groove evoking the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. “Takiyasha,” inspired by the daughter of a samurai who raised an army of demons to conquer Japan, creates a mysterious, introspective mood.
The Inspiration Behind 13 Witches
I was inspired to create the album after reading Witchcraft. This beautiful book, edited by Jessica Hundley and Pam Grossman, traces the history and contemporary practice of witches. The gorgeous photos and diverse points of view stirred my imagination.
I’ve explored a multitude of styles on past albums, ranging from jazz to world fusion to dance. With 13 Witches, I merged my signature piano style with percussion and various instruments to create an evocative soundscape. The piano allows me to paint musical landscapes while maintaining an intimate and improvisatory feel. The other instruments and sounds add color to enhance the mood.
Listen to the Album at HearNow
Enter the mystical world of the witch and celebrate the divine power of female energy across cultures and time with 13 Witches. Listen to the album at HearNow. Available at all the usual music retailers and streaming sites.
Music Video for “Isis” from 13 Witches
