Both works on this recording represent settings of profound poets that capture some essences of lives lived. Richard Rolle speaks about spiritual awakening in "The Fire of Love," while William Blake's "Songs of Innocence" allows us a glimpse into simple, joyous views of the world. Writes James Jordan: The music on this recording magically allows us to explore both simple and innocent concepts of love and also helps to guide each of us to deeper exploration of our own spirituality through the words of Rolle and Blake. These works by Patrick Hawes seem to bookend beautifully those deeply human aspects that teach us of both love and wonder through words that relay the moral and personal intensity of life's journeys. The messages of these scores lie in the marriage of the words and the music and the powerful metaphors that are presented in both works. Truly, in the words of Rolle, "We were impelled to sing."