Prosody London A Capella Ray Review (Keshen Teo) 2020 + Sacred Sunlight Draw

 

Prosody London A Capella Ray review

 A Capella Ray via Prosody London©

 

“Mine is the sunlight, mine is the morning
Born of the one light, Eden saw play
Praise with elation, praise every morning
God’s recreation of the new day” ~ Morning Has Broken by Cat Stevens and Eleanor Farjeon

How could I possibly resist something entitled A Capella Ray? How could anyone? The marvelous botanical fragrance house Prosody London has produced one-of-a-kind scents which tempt the inquisitive nose – and while perusing their site, I asked to sample this one, to my delight. I first came across natural perfumer, Keshen Teo, at Esxence Milano 2019; he sweetly pressed a small box of samples into my palm along with his business card during a lecture we jointly attended. It wasn’t until I returned home that I had the opportunity to fully appreciate the contents of that little package.

 

Keshen Teo of Prosody London

Keshen Teo of Prosody London via Prosody London©

Senior Editor Lauryn Beer has written lovingly of several already: Jacinthe Jonquil, Mocha Muscari, Rose Rondeau and Pizzicato Bliss. I share her enthusiasm. The ability to compose thoroughly original, unusual natural fragrances which set themselves apart from the horde seems to be a relatively rare occurrence these days. Keshen Teo’s perfumes feature exquisite materials ensconced in settings which resemble aromatic jewelry. With the advent of summer we are eager to avail ourselves of healing sacred rays, a combination of tonicity and cherished indolence. How fine is that glorious, singular ray of light which illuminates the depths of our collective soul? That a capella ray?

Prosody London A Cappela Ray uses Buddleia

Unsplash edited by Michelyn of Buddleia

In a world of citrus abundance, we’re given the scintillating presence of Sicilian lemon and mandarin peel – unadulterated sunshine and good humor to elevate the spirit. I love how lemongrass is engaged in A Capella Ray: it feels sprightly, therapeutic, openhearted. Nose-tickling black pepper is a welcome aromatic adjuvant: it spans dry spice with floral notes, even a hint of dried fruit. I find that black pepper is lovely when one wishes to temper sweetness in a scent as well; it’s such a versatile color in the olfactory palette. Bulgarian rose is an indisputable Queen who provides a luscious heart while softening the edges of what might potentially be an acidic fragrance; cherry blossom must be an accord, as it doesn’t yield itself to extraction – but likely provides a delicate, faintly rosy-vanillic tone replete with hints of lilac and almond which are by nature subtle and complex. Buddleia is also known to us as butterfly bush, that colorful perennial with a gently honeyed fragrance which so attracts pollinators; I’ve not smelt any previous perfume which employed it.

Best art of William blake

The Sun at His Eastern Gate, William Blake

Prosody London A Capella Ray brings to mind the soulful luminous illustrations of William Blake; a panoply of sundrenched still life portraits of lemons and oranges; Ingmar Bergman’s Smiles of a Summer Night. If it were music, it would be Cat Stevens’ eloquent Morning Has Broken. A Capella Ray is solar, soothing and a joy to wear; somehow, despite fruit and flowers, it has an herbal nuance which pleases the weary nose and body. It’s estival refreshment at its best.

Notes: Sicilian lemon, mandarin peel, black pepper, Bulgarian rose, cherry blossom, lemongrass, buddleia (butterfly bush)

Sample provided by Prosody London – many thanks!  My nose is my own…

~ Ida Meister, Deputy and Natural Perfumery Editor

The London West Hollywood

The London West Hollywood Hotel via Prosody London

Available online in the USA and at The London West Hollywood Hotel

Follow us on Instagram: @cafleurebon @idameister @prosodylondon @alderjams #keshenteo #cafleurebon

Thanks to Prosody London USA, we have a draw for a 30 ml bottle of A Capella Ray for one registered reader in the USA. To be eligible please leave a comment about what strikes you about Prosody London A Capella Ray, and if you are familiar with Prosody London all natural, vegan perfumes. Which USA store do you think  should carry the line. Draw closes 6/6/2021

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25 comments

  • joshuabrian says:

    I’m not familiar with the brand, but lemongrass with the rose interests me. I’d like to see something with this much promise in something like Sephora.

  • drjedi says:

    I am not familiar with Prosody London, yet, but given that they have vegan, natural perfumes, I am very interested. And as my life is managed, controlled, run by Amazon, if Prosody London sold it through Amazon, or any store sold it through Amazon, I may accidentally just click Buy Now on it, especially after reading this review by Ida of Prosody London A Capella Ray. It seems to be a happy, cheerful perfume, bringing a ray of Capella, another bright star in the sky, like our Sun. After a darkness of many shades last year or so, I am ready for solar or Capella, or any kind of, rays. Thanks for the review and draw. I am in the USA.

  • mdellaroc says:

    What an interesting scent. I have never smelled butterfly bush, as far as I know. But I love the idea of it being used naturally in a fragrance. I enjoy the opportunity to win this fragrance. In Maryland.

  • Josephine says:

    I do not recall ever smelling anything with the fragrance of a butterfly bush except for the bush herself. I am not familiar with Prosody London natural perfumes. This sounds lovely though. Maybe Tigerlily would carry this line as they have several natural brands already. I’m in Virginia, USA

  • Steve A says:

    Not familiar with Prosody London. Don’t which store should carry this line as I don’t live near any perfume stores. What struck me about the review was the “…faintly rosy-vanillic tone…”. US

  • Julesinrose says:

    I am not familiar with Prosody London but I’d like to be, of course. I used to have a Butterfly Bush in my garden. I’m sitting here mystified because I can not remember its scent, but it sadly didn’t do well in its location, so maybe it didn’t have the usual scent? Just a guess. I’m so curious what it smells like now and HOW original! This fragrance sounds like a perfect one for summer. Of course, I think all houses should be sold through Luckyscent since they have “everything.” In the US

  • patrick_348 says:

    This sounds like a celebration of late spring and early summer. Lemon grass and black pepper make this sound like a unisex floral that I would be excited to wear. The natural and fresh but upscale quality makes me think of a store like Whole Foods. Would that be too weird? In the US in NC.

  • Dami C says:

    I am drawn to the buddleia note, which is have never tried in a fragrance. The herbal accent mentioned in the review definitely makes this very appealing for the summertime. This line sounds interesting and it would be great if Indigo or The Scent Room would carry it in the USA. I haven’t tried it yet. I am in the DFW area.

  • Danu Seith-Fyr says:

    even though not eligible for the draw, I loved reading Ida’s words as I am equally captivated by Prosody’s perfumes.

  • Sharonda McClellan says:

    So if they are vegan, are the notes synthetic? I’ve never heard of this brand but would enjoy the chance to smell it. Sounds like a spring fragrance on rolling hills.

  • redwheelbarrow says:

    Wow this sounds like such a bright an uplifting fragrance for summer. I have not heard of this house and I’ve also never smelled butterfly bush but I’m off to google it now. Thank you for the review. From the US.

  • Trinity33 says:

    How can one resist a fragrance featuring the butterfly bush? I’ve never smelled it before but a honey scent (in combination with the citrus) sounds divine. A Capella Ray also seems to have an Asian vibe with the addition of lemongrass and cherry blossom. Very interesting combination and I would love to smell it. I’ve never tried any Prosody London scents but I appreciate their botanical approach. Commenting from MD, USA.

  • INYA says:

    I absolutely adore the butterfly bush. It’s a butterfly magnet! A Capella Ray sounds like a delightful scent. Thanks for the memory of Cat Stevens’ Morning Has Broken. Yes, I sang it while reading this article, lol. Mich USA

  • Bryant Worley says:

    What strikes is the seeming uniqueness of the fragrance, with the excellent blend of notes – lemongrass, rose, black pepper, and the curious mandarin peel. I look forward to getting my nose on this.

    Until today,, I was not familiar with Prosody London all natural, vegan perfumes.

    I think Perfumology in Philly should carry this.

  • Brian says:

    I admire natural perfumery and I would love to try all of the fragrance releases from Prosody London; I’ve only heard of them and perfumer Keshen Teo. It seems like Keshen Teo possesses “the ability to compose thoroughly original, unusual natural fragrances which set themselves apart from the horde”. According to the list of notes, and Ida’s description, this fragrance seems very appealing to me. I study botany, sometimes, and I’ve read that buddleia is invasive in the U.S. but I think that it’s a good idea to include it perfumery. I’d like it if Fragrancenet or MaxAroma would carry Prosody London fragrances. I live in MD., U.S.A.

  • Lesley Hendrickson says:

    Thai sounds great! Anything with black pepper and Bulgarian rose sounds right up my alley!

  • mronhubbard says:

    This sounds very uplifting, and so many of us could use more uplift… I’ve never heard of Buddleia; intrigued to try a note that’s new to me. Don’t think I’ve heard of this company before. I’d love for the line to be available at Lucky Scent, Sephora, or Ulta (Any or all).

  • KMBfragrance says:

    It’s certainly intriguing to try a fragrance employing the novel material of buddleia. In combination with zesty citrus, who could resist. I’m not familiar with the house, but have found the growth of all natural houses to be an exciting development. I would say that Luckyscent or Twisted Lily would be good choices for a retail outlet. I live in Missouri USA.

  • Christie says:

    Having never owned an all natural perfume. A Capella Ray seems to be a perfect herbal citrus to try for summer. I enjoy a black pepper note when used gently and this sounds lovely. Thank you for describing the scent of the butterfly bush! I have one along the side of my house but oddly I’ve never plucked a flower from it to smell. I will do that today! This was exciting to read, Ida. I’ve never heard of Prosody London so a special thanks for a peek into one of the few natural perfumery houses. I think Prosody London should be carried at The Scent Bar. They have a few locations, but all in big cities for great exposure. I feel that natural perfumes are so limited and different that they must be experienced before purchasing. A specialty shop would be perfect. In the USA.

  • KateD says:

    “Aromatic jewelry”–Ms. Meister has such a gift for describing fragrances. I enjoy her reviews so much. I think this line would do well through Indigo, they seem to have an “Indigo” vibe. Thank you for the review & the draw. I’m in the US.

  • gtabasso says:

    I was not familiar with this house. Ann of Indigo Perfumery should carry them. She’s excellent with selecting niche fragrances. I love the idea of the fresh citruses with rose, cherry blossom and butterfly bush. What a combo!!!

  • wallygator88 says:

    Thank you for the beautiful review Ida.

    This fragrance sounds so interesting. I love the sweet, honey like smell of flowers on trees that have opened up for pollination. I love how this scent pulls in so many unique notes like lemongrass and black pepper.

    Thank you for the great pictures Ida – they add so much more understanding of the olfactionary landscape of this fragrance. The herbal nuance is quite fascinating.

    I’ve not smelt this brand before and would love to.

    I would imagine Luckyscent or a small perfume house with a store front should carry this scent.

    Cheers from WI, USA

  • doveskylark says:

    I am here for the butterfly bush! I haven’t heard of a fragrance with this note before. I love the idea of citrus sunshine tempered with a bit of black pepper. I have only heard of Prosody London on Çafleurebon. Now I am off to look up the Bergman film.
    I live in the USA.

  • helenlam says:

    I love buddhelia! The cone of flowers and that delicate honeyed fragrance is wonderful. I’m excited to hear about A Capella Ray and I do like the fact there are a few aromatic contrasts in the perfume to play off of the florals. I haven’t heard of this house before, but it sounds interesting and hopefully the longevity is decent for the line. I think Tigerlily should carry it. I live in the USA. Thanks for the giveaway!

  • Michael Prince says:

    What strikes me about Prosody London A Capella Ray is the vegan, all natural, and high quality and botanical fragrance. The fragrance itself was described beautifully and in high detail with a perfect blend of citrus, floral, and aromatic notes. Prior to this blog I wasn’t familiar with the brand Prosody London. I think the US Store Sephora should carry the line. I am from Ohio, USA.