Caedmon's Call

Share the Well

Essential Records

Many groups would go the distance to come up with some inspiration, but I don't know any that have gone as far as Caedmon's Call. Prior to recording “Share the Well”, the Caedmon's Call gang took a trip to India , Brazil , and Ecuador for inspiration. The trip also helped to solidify their involvement with Compassion International and the Dalit Freedom Network. The Dalits are considered the lowest caste in India , and despite the abolishment of the caste system by the Indian government, are still openly oppressed.

The inspiration for “Share the Well” comes from two different sources. The first is the fact that the Dalit (meaning “oppressed”) people are not allowed to scoop water from the village well themselves, and must wait for others to scoop it for them. This often means they can go the whole day without water. The second comes from the story of Jesus offering the Samarian woman life-giving water. The message means as much to me as it does the upper caste in India . I, as well as any other, have a responsibility to share the well of eternal giving, one that will quench the thirst forever.

A separate part of the reasoning behind the CD is to also raise awareness of poverty in countries like Ecuador and Brazil . Caedmon's Call has always been a partner with Compassion International, an organization that encourages the sponsoring of children around the world and spreads the Gospel through such sponsorship.

The band traveled around to these various areas to meet with local people, and to hear their stories and local music. Some of the music on the CD was recorded with the locals from these different regions. Having these multi-cultural sounds on the album, gives the groups usual folk-rock sound a new twist of world music. The songs really come alive with the use of these remote recordings, and tell stories that really bring the situation to the center of your attention.

“Share the Well” is an exceptional recording with a rich tapestry of sounds. It's a well done project that will positively reflect on their efforts to bring awareness to causes that seem far removed from most of our experiences. The CD also offers an enhanced portion that includes video from Ecuador , Brazil , and India . This section includes interviews with the band, as well as more information on the Dalit Freedom Network and Compassion International.

•  Ken W.

http://www.caedmonscall.com

http://www.dalitnetwork.org/

http://www.compassion.com/