Ronstadt Plays Sowash
Kickshaw, 2025
9/10
Listen to Ronstadt Plays Sowash
The cellist and multi-instrumentalist Michael G. Ronstadt interprets the work of Rick Sowash, where solo, duo and trio settings unfold with strong attention to harmony and tonality.
“The Neverending Melody” starts with the keys and piano interacting with much care and beauty, and “A Winter Night” follows with dueling cellos that play off each other in a mesmerizing and meticulous fashion that can also be firm.
In the middle, “A Joyful Fugue” pairs Nora Barton’s cello with Ronstadt via the dense and intricate songwriting, while “Blues” offers a solo setting that’s emotive, sparse and manipulates space well.
Residing near the end, “Prayer For Ukraine” recruits Jennifer Higgins Wagner’s cello alongside Ronstadt’s amid the sublime intimacy and “Piano Trio No. 6 "Brickdust & Buttermilk"“ exits upbeat and lush thanks to Annette Misener’s violin and Phillip Roberts’ piano that complement Ronstadt’s precise cello with a swirling energy.
Just about all the selections are world premieres, where Ronstadt explores many avenues with his instrument, and the excellent guests help illuminate the classical, folk, jazz, Americana, and New Age nods.
Travels well with: Rick Sowash- Voyageurs; Aaron Nathans and Michael G. Ronstadt- Hello World