Vigil
In A Circle, 2024
9/10
The string quartet ETHEL are aligned with the exceptional violinist Layale Chaker for these 10 classical, chamber and folk influenced pieces.
“Novembers” starts the listen with articulate and precise string interaction, where Ralph Farris, who wrote the tune, contributes moody viola, and the title track, by Chaker, follows with 5 chapters of shifting melodies, dramatic bouts and soft ebbs that benefit much from Kip Jones, Corin Lee and Chaker’s violin.
Further along, the animated “Teen Mania” is bright, cinematic and allows Dorothy Lawson’s cello to shine, while “Salla Fina Llahdu” leads intimately before segueing into cultured and rich territory.
The final piece, Lee’s “Sketka”, then embraces both energetic and rhythmic ideas into the meticulous and complicated exit that’s immediately striking.
A thoughtful body of work that possesses Eastern ideas, the poetry of Warsan Shire and an occasional drum, the string dynamics here are nothing short of gripping and awe inspiring.
Travels well with: Jessica Meyer- I Long And Seek After; Eric Ferring- We Have Tomorrow