Describe Yourself
Redshift, 2023
8/10
The Canadian violinist and composer Christopher Whitley has an impressive body of work on his own, but this first effort as an interpreter explores another avenue of his art, where a violin built by Antonio Stradivari from 1700 is used.
“Bellatrix”, by Jeffrey Ryan, begins the listen with howling vocals and quick string playing that creates a very unpredictable mood, and Nicole Lizée’s “Don’t Throw Your Head In Your Hands” follows with plenty of atmosphere to complement the playful mood.
In the middle, “Patterns In High Places”, by Kara-Lis Coverdale, emits quivering strings and a dreamy haze of mysterious playing, while “Six Tableaux For Violin” employs laptop electronics and processing from Evan J. Cartwright for the distinct intimacy of the six electroacoustic vignettes of the Cartwright original.
The final piece, Fjóla Evans’ “In Bruniquel Cave”, layers Whitley’s violin over itself with much delicacy and warmth that resonates long after the track ends.
Whitley is well versed in Baroque, electronic, jazz and pop sounds, and along with his place as a founding member of the Thalea String Quartet, he brings a wealth of talent and experience to this unique classical listen.
Travels well with: Christopher Butterfield- Souvenir; Joseph Petric- Seen