Robert Lee

Cha-Ran

Three Pines, 2022

8/10

Listen to Cha-Ran

The bassist and composer Robert Lee brings us all originals here that were inspired by Korean folk stories that are quite romantic and often possess a fantasy angle.

The title track starts the listen with twinkling strings and stirring vocals from Carolina Alabau, as Kris Ramakrishna’s flamenco guitar and Adem Mehmedovic’s warm piano make for a very unique climate, and “The King And The Mountain” follows with precise plucking from Lee amid Tetyana Haraschuk’s intricate drums and Marco Pisani’s gentle guitar.

“Jade” and “Seun-Sul” occupy the middle spot, where the former brings much intimacy via Songah Chae’s spellbinding piano and Mateo Falgas’ sublime voice, while the latter showcases Marc-Oliver Poingt’s proficient keys alongside Lee’s careful bass plucking.

“Kaelo” exits the listen with the best track, where Nina Nicolaiewsky’s gorgeous singing and the cozy bass interact with a cautious, alluring demeanor.

A very remarkable listen that takes the listener on a journey into another avenue due to its emotional gestures and highly artistic vision, Cha-Ran resonates long after the music stops.

Travels well with: Jacob Chung- Epistle; Carn Davidson 9- The History Of Us