In 1998, an extraordinary album emerged, quietly making its mark on the music scene. Charlotte Greig, a talented artist, recorded Night Visiting Songs in the evenings, after putting her four-year-old child to bed. Armed with a four-track cassette recorder, she passionately crafted simple renditions of folk songs and heartfelt originals that delved into themes of love and haunting spirits that appear in the dead of night. Greig’s makeshift studio boasted an extensive array of instruments, including her own voice, harmonium, dulcimer, and a distinctively programmed Dr Rhythm drum machine.
Fast forward to the present day, and Night Visiting Songs has finally been released on vinyl, retaining its ethereal, captivating, and disarmingly sincere qualities. Within its textures and rhythms, one can detect echoes of influential figures such as Anne Briggs, Nico, and the Young Marble Giants. In homage to Greig’s talent, a collection of cover versions has been compiled on Bandcamp, featuring acclaimed artists like James Yorkston, Alasdair Roberts, Euros Childs, and Katell Keineg.
This release serves as a timely reminder of Greig’s remarkable abilities. Tragically, she took her own life in 2014 at the age of 59, leaving behind an enduring legacy. James Yorkston, a fledgling artist when he first heard Night Visiting Songs in 2002, vividly recalls the profound impact it had on him. The songs “Searching for Lambs” and “Lucy Wan” moved him to tears, with their arresting vocal performances that were simultaneously vulnerable and commanding. To Yorkston, the voice embodies the essence of humanity, and Greig’s voice resonated with him deeply.
Greig’s unique style evokes comparisons to some influential musicians like Alice Coltrane and Molly Drake. It is clear that her music was not motivated by commercial considerations or a desire for widespread acclaim. Instead, she focused on creating music that brought her joy and fulfillment, resulting in her most exceptional work as an artist.
Born in 1954 and raised between Suffolk and Exmoor, Greig had already experienced a diverse and accomplished career. After becoming a mother in 1980, she ventured into the realm of hip-hop, creating mixtapes with the rap crew F-F-F-Female Force. These mixtapes even garnered the attention of Tim Westwood, who played them on LBC. In 1989, Greig published a book about girl groups called “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?”, which received praise from none other than John Peel. During the 1990s, she wrote for esteemed publications such as the Independent, Mojo, and Word, where her passion for folk music flourished. It was through her writing that she introduced many, including myself, to the enchanting sounds of Shirley Collins, hailing her as the “Angela Carter of the folk world.”
Having a child awakened Greig’s desire for a creative outlet in music. Initially drawn to the freedom of expression found in hip-hop, she eventually gravitated towards folk music. This genre allowed her to embark on a solo musical journey without the need for a full band. After an illuminating interview with singer Lal Waterson in 1996, Greig realized that she could live a fulfilling life as an artist while prioritizing her family. She embraced the opportunity to record albums at home, resulting in five tender and introspective releases. Her discography includes the atmospheric beauty of “At Llangennith” in 2001 and the fuller band arrangements of “Quite Silent” in 2005, both of which are now available on Bandcamp. In addition to her musical pursuits, Greig ran a folk club in Cardiff and compiled a tribute album to Lal Waterson called “Migrating Bird.” She also played a significant role in the early years of the Green Man festival.
Although Greig explored various creative outlets, music resonated with her most profoundly. For her, it provided solace and a means of self-expression. Williams, her husband and a prolific novelist, biographer, and festival organizer, plans to release Greig’s other albums on vinyl. As he eloquently states in the liner notes, “Night Visiting Songs” represents the epitome of Greig’s artistry. On the opposite side, Greig herself reflects on the universal human experience of dreaming and the comfort that great ballads offer during times of loss.
Greig’s music continues to communicate and connect with listeners even a quarter of a century after its initial release. Through her songs, she remains present, whispering through the grass, across hills, and even at our windows. On August 14, Night Visiting Songs will be released on Harmonium Records, alongside Greig’s other albums, all of which can be found on charlottegreig.bandcamp.com.
In times of struggle, it’s important to remember that help is available. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at freephone 116 123 or via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988 for calls or texts, and crisis counseling can be accessed by texting HOME to 741741. Australia’s crisis support service, Lifeline, can be reached at 13 11 14. For additional international helplines, visit befrienders.org.
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