almost as soft as silence
Self-Released, 2024
9/10
Listen to almost as soft as silence
The Canadian violinist Christopher Whitley never disappoints, and here we’re treated to 15 tracks of solo violin and free improvisational song craft.
“Soliloquy (i)” opens with the sharp and animated violin making for a very distinct mood, and it isn’t long until “Patience” emits much emotion via the skilled bowing and heartfelt demeanor.
Deeper into the listen, “Lake Train” is strong on ambience via the meticulous string gestures, while “Song” screeches playfully and radiates a tense disposition of cinematic and sometimes jarring ideas.
Residing close to the end, “Echo Pasture” illustrates Whitley’s unparalleled violin prowess with both soft and mysterious progressions, and “Soliloquy (ii)” exits with a harmonic vision of fluid and engaging instrumentation.
A very artistic effort that was recorded in a single, unedited take, this is a solo violin experience like no other, and one that’s as fascinating as it is memorable.
Travels well with: Christopher Whitley- Describe Yourself; India Gailey- Butterfly Lightning Shakes The Earth