Songdreaming

Released 15 March 2024, Sam Lee unveiled his fourth studio album, songdreaming, a captivating follow-up to the critically acclaimed Old Wow (2020). Praised by The Observer as “a dazzling fusion of nature and song” and lauded by The Daily Telegraph as “a sublime album that demands to be heard in the 21st century,” songdreaming was meticulously crafted throughout 2023 in collaboration with producer Bernard Butler and long-time collaborator James Keay. The result is an album rich in musicality and inventive expression.

songdreaming marks a pivotal evolution in Lee’s artistry, bridging traditional folk roots with a fresh approach that resonates with contemporary audiences. With a backbone of double bass, percussion, and violin, the album is enriched by a diverse array of instruments, including the Arabic Qanun, Swedish Nyckelharpa, and small pipes. Across its ten tracks, listeners are treated to a journey that encompasses everything from identifiable acoustic melodies to expansive drone soundscapes, culminating in the electrifying lead single, “Meeting Is A Pleasant Place.” This track features the Trans Voices choir, a London-based transgender ensemble, adding depth and vibrancy to the album’s narrative.

Lee’s lyrical focus remains steadfastly on nature, with the album described as “a mosaic of the emotions felt in my time outdoors.” He aims to articulate the complexities of his observations, continuing a tradition of celebrating the land through song. From the delicate balladry of “Sweet Girl McRee” to the gospel-infused “Leaves of Life,” the album juxtaposes moments of beauty with the urgent call to address the ecological crisis, as heard in the stormy opener “Bushes and Briars,” which expresses his anger towards environmental degradation.

In songdreaming, Lee not only reflects his profound connection to the natural world but also invites listeners to embark on an evocative journey through his experiences and emotions. The album draws inspiration from a broad spectrum of influences, including sacred music from various traditions and contemporary neo-classical composers, all woven together by the fundamental belief in music’s power to inspire and connect.

Critics have embraced songdreaming, with its lush soundscapes and lyrical depth drawing comparisons to the ethereal rhapsodies of Kate Bush and the cosmic wonder of the Incredible String Band. Although the album’s introspective themes may evoke a sense of earnestness reminiscent of romantic poetry, it’s ultimately a celebration of the beauty found in nature. Lee acknowledges the need to embrace modernity while honouring the past, navigating a delicate balance between personal reflection and universal truths.

While songdreaming is not without its imperfections—some moments may come off as overly jazzy or straying from tradition—Lee’s heartfelt sincerity shines through. His empathetic approach, particularly in tracks like “Dreams Of The Returning,” encourages listeners to reconnect with the earth and its rhythms, suggesting that music might hold the key to healing both the planet and ourselves.

In a world that often feels disconnected from nature, Sam Lee’s songdreaming offers a hopeful reminder of the magic inherent in the landscape around us. As he sings in “Green Mossy Banks,” “Be peregrine, be pasture, be tiny, be vaster,” he invites us all to embrace the journey and rediscover our place within it. With this album, Lee not only redefines folk music but also re-establishes a vital connection to the natural world, making songdreaming a poignant addition to the modern musical landscape.