Frame
BMG, 2023
8/10
The 3rd album from the UK artist Charlie Cunningham, his sublime use of piano and nylon guitar, not to mention his emotive pipes, span many mature genres across these 12 careful tracks.
After the brief and warm jazz spirit of the piano focused “Intro”, “Shame I Know” follows with crisp drums, graceful keys and very soulful singing in the intimate climate.
Further along, the hushed beauty of “Friend Of Mine” touches on folk ideas amid the cozy guitar and poetic singing, while “Pathways” radiates a mesmerizing presence of swirling keys, atmospheric drumming and, of course, Cunningham’s distinct and alluring voice.
Close to the end, “Water Tower” uses meticulous keys, soulful brass and extremely delicate singing for the album’s best, and “Frame” exits with both minimal and rich qualities that are executed with a very vulnerable approach that explores heartbreak, spirituality and anxiety.
Influences from John Martyn, Paul Simon, and Nick Drake won’t be hard to spot here, as Cunningham touches on art rock, the golden era of jazz and neo-classical moments for a personal and eclectic experience.
Travels well with: Milo Greene- Milo Greene; Ben Howard- Noonday Dream