Song
Decca, 2022
9/10
The exceptional cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason returns with a solo album, where some of his most personal work to date resides, and he takes help from friends and family across the 21 pieces.
“Star Of The Country Down” starts the listen with just Kanneh-Mason’s lone cello emitting much beauty and warmth in the meticulous bowing, and it isn’t long until Harry Baker joins in on piano for the cozy and gentle melodies of “Lullaby For Kamila”.
Further on, Isata Kanneh-Mason, his sister, brings her inimitable piano playing to the dreamy and emotive “Songs Without Words, Opp. 62/1 & 109”, while “Élégie” showcases Pumeza Matshikiza’s stunning soprano and James Baillieu’s agile keys in the operatic demeanor of the album’s best.
Deeper on the back half, Hannah Roberts, Ben Davies and Max Ruisi lend their cello prowess to the sublime string interaction of the J.S. Bach original “Saviour Of The Nations, Come BWV 659”, and the very stirring “Same Boat” recruits Zak Abel’s smooth voice and hand clapping for a step into singer-songwriter territory.
It’s been a busy few years for Kanneh-Mason, who has seen his album hit the charts and has toured across the globe, and here he births plenty of timeless melodies, playful improvisation and organic musicianship and will certainly gain him even more accolades.
Travels well with: Sheku & Isata Kanneh-Mason- Muse; Christian Li- The Four Seasons