Tanbou Kache
New Focus, 2020
8/10
The cellist Diana Golden illuminates the works of Haitian artists, where Shawn Chang’s meticulous keys are along for the 7 diverse pieces.
“Légende créole” begins with Golden’s mature cello and Chang’s emotive keys making for much grace and beauty, and “Petite Suite” follows with 4 movements that allow for Golden’s agile strings to mesmerize us.
Moving into the middle, “Suite haïtienne” meshes the fluid keys with poetic cello prowess that tugs on the heartstrings, while “Duo Sentimental” is a lovely duet of sublime song craft that’s intimate and impactful.
Close to the end, “One Loss Plus: Femiel” presents both playful strings and subtle keys, and “Brother Malcolm” exits with a distinct dreaminess of longing strings and twinkling keys.
Some of the composers included are Frantz Casséus, Justin Élie, and Daniel Bernard Roumain, as Golden and Chang bring some much deserved attention to the often overlooked sounds of Haiti.
Travels well with: counter)induction- Against Method; Lainie Fefferman- Here I Am