"The Gentle Witch Vinyl" The Gentle Witch Vinyl is a highly sought-after and unique piece of music among vinyl collectors and enthusiasts. It holds a special place in the hearts of many due to its hypnotic melodies and ethereal vocals. The album was released in 1972 by the elusive band, The Gentle Witch. The band was known for their experimental and psychedelic sound, combining elements of folk, rock, and electronic music. The Gentle Witch Vinyl was their only studio album, making it a rare gem in the music world. One of the standout features of the album is its hauntingly beautiful cover art.
On July 2, 1692 Candy was arrested for the crime of witchcraft in a later wave of accusations made by villagers Mary Wallcot and Ann Putnam. Her name appears over four hundred times in the Salem Witchcraft court documents and she was famous for her violent, physical reaction to the accused; eighteen year old Mary Walcott, like most of the community of white and English descent, was also a frequent accuser. It is interesting and no doubt significant that Candy was not arrested in the first round of accusation, as Tituba had been; neither being a person of color or enslaved, it appeared, was enough to automatically attract the attention of the accusing girls.
She was brought from Barbados to Salem Village by her owner Margarett Hawke sometime in the years immediately preceding the notorious witchcraft panic of 1692, and while there was accused of being a witch. So, young children aren t so hard to fool when they receive sufficiently plausible information from reliable informants, but they aren t passive sponges that soak up whatever they re told, either.
One of the standout features of the album is its hauntingly beautiful cover art. The artwork depicts a mystical witch surrounded by a serene natural landscape. The visual representation perfectly captures the essence of the music contained within the vinyl.
Candy
Candy was an enslaved African or African-descended woman caught up in the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts in 1692. She was brought from Barbados to Salem Village by her owner Margarett Hawke sometime in the years immediately preceding the notorious witchcraft panic of 1692, and while there was accused of being a witch. As with many of the key players in the Salem witch trials, Candy has left little in the historical record other than the accusations against her, court testimony, and the judgment against her. Still, even this small amount of information is compelling. The case also shows that, while there were relatively few African descended people in 17th Century Massachusetts, there were strong economic and political ties between New England and Barbados, based on the shipping industry and trade in slave-manufactured goods, particularly sugar and cotton. In fact the Reverend Samuel Parris and his famous Arawak slave Tituba (often depicted as African) also were from Barbados and it was in Parris’s household that the witch panic of 1692 began.
On July 2, 1692 Candy was arrested for the crime of witchcraft in a later wave of accusations made by villagers Mary Wallcot and Ann Putnam. Her name appears over four hundred times in the Salem Witchcraft court documents and she was famous for her violent, physical reaction to the accused; eighteen year old Mary Walcott, like most of the community of white and English descent, was also a frequent accuser. It is interesting and no doubt significant that Candy was not arrested in the first round of accusation, as Tituba had been; neither being a person of color or enslaved, it appeared, was enough to automatically attract the attention of the accusing girls.
Once arrested and examined, however, Candy used her position as an outsider to her advantage. Unlike the only other Black woman arrested, Mary Black, Candy confessed to her activity as a witch in some detail. She did not provide the sophisticated symbolic imagery of the devil and his color-coded animal familiars—such as the black dog, the yellow bird, and the red rat—as Tituba had done, rather offering material evidence of her Satanic actions. While spectral evidence was being used to convict others, Candy turned over physical objects that she asserted were part of her witch practice, including two pieces of cloth that she used for sympathetic magic in the manner of voodoo dolls. In the trial transcript there was dramatic evidence of the efficacy of these objects—three girls (Mary Warren, Deliverance Hobbs, and Abigail Hobbs) were afflicted by the pinching of the cloth, and when “a bit of one of the rags being set on fire, the afflicted all said they were burned, and cried out dreadfully” (Salem Witchcraft Papers, vol. 1).
While Candy's confessions show a strong understanding of European notions of witchcraft (and possibly African sorcery), her use of the court to accuse her mistress is of even greater significance. As an alien, and as an enslaved woman, she could be seen as powerless, and yet she was able to use her status to resist punishment in an effective fashion—she tied her fate to that of her free white owner. Her July 4, 1692 testimony includes the following exchange:
Q. Candy, are you a witch?
A. Candy, no witch in her country. Candy's mother no witch. Candy no witch Barbados.
Q. Did your mistress make you a witch in this country?
A. This country, mistress give Candy witch.
Understanding the power of the Essex County community's belief in witchcraft, Candy saved her own life by cleverly casting blame upon her owner, Margarett Hawkes, and by confessing to witchcraft but not to bringing Caribbean or African magic into Salem. The truth of her testimony appeared to be corroborated by the spectral evidence offered by the accusing girls. All of this served to place Hawkes in jeopardy. According to the trial records, “the black man and Mrs. Hawkes and the negro [Candy] stood by the puppets or rags and pinched them, and then they [the girls] were afflicted” (Salem Witchcraft Papers, vol. 1). Candy's testimony implicating Hawkes played upon Puritan expectations:
Q. What did your mistress do to make you a witch?
A. Mistress bring book and pen and ink, make Candy write in it.
Candy thus testified that she had been led to Satan directly by her mistress through the classical method of signing the devil's book. In the end, as were all others who confessed, Candy was found not guilty of her crimes. She had successfully survived the onslaught that took many innocent lives. With the end of the trials Candy disappeared from the historical record and from popular memory, usurped by the Amerindian Tituba as the famous woman of color of the Salem Witch Trials.
The songs on The Gentle Witch Vinyl take listeners on a sonic journey through different realms. Each track is carefully crafted with intricate instrumental arrangements and poetic lyrics. The lead singer's voice, often described as angelic, adds an otherworldly element to the overall sound. One of the most popular songs on the album is "Moonlit Whispers." It begins with a gentle acoustic guitar melody before gradually building up with layers of atmospheric synths and haunting vocals. The song's dreamlike quality mesmerizes listeners, creating a captivating experience. Another noteworthy track is "Spellbound Meadows." This instrumental piece showcases the band's ability to create captivating soundscapes. The combination of acoustic and electric instruments creates a sense of magic and enchantment. Despite being released decades ago, The Gentle Witch Vinyl continues to captivate listeners today. Its timeless appeal and unique sound have contributed to its cult following and high demand among collectors. In conclusion, The Gentle Witch Vinyl is a rare and cherished album that has left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience it. The band's experimental sound and ethereal vocals have cemented their place in music history. Whether you're a vinyl enthusiast or simply a lover of mesmerizing music, The Gentle Witch Vinyl is a must-have addition to any collection..
Reviews for "The therapeutic benefits of listening to "The Gentle Witch" vinyl"
1. John - 2/5 - I have to say, I was really disappointed with "The gentle witch vinyl". The songs lacked any originality or creativity, and the vocals were mediocre at best. It felt like I was listening to a cheap knock-off of better artists. I wouldn't recommend this album to anyone looking for a unique, captivating musical experience.
2. Sarah - 1/5 - I can't believe I wasted my money on "The gentle witch vinyl". The lyrics were shallow and cliché, and the instrumentals were repetitive and dull. I was hoping for something enchanting and enchanting, but instead, I got a lackluster album that I couldn't even finish listening to. Save your money and skip this one.
3. David - 2/5 - "The gentle witch vinyl" was a major letdown for me. The songs sounded uninspired and lacked any real emotion. It felt like the artist was just going through the motions and didn't put any effort into creating something memorable. I expected more from this album, but unfortunately, it fell flat. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who is looking for a truly magical musical experience.
4. Emily - 1/5 - I was so excited to listen to "The gentle witch vinyl" after hearing some positive reviews, but boy was I disappointed. The album was filled with generic, cookie-cutter songs that offered nothing new or exciting. The melodies were forgettable and the vocals were grating. I couldn't wait for it to be over. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one.