Musings
Acis, 2026
9/10
A multi-generational ensemble spearheaded by Gail Hernández Rosa and Daniel Turkos, Beneath A Tree pens songs inspired by fragments of history, beloved texts, folk traditions and awe that comes from artistry.
“Fiddle Medley: When She Cam Ben She Bobbit, Tuttle’s Reel, Kitty’s Wishes” opens with Rosa’s meticulous cello alongside Turkos’ skilled bass amid much warmth, and “Uncle John’s Band” follows with Turkos and Rosa’s harmonizing voices that benefit from animated percussion.
Moving along, “Suite de Bailes Barrocos” unfolds across 7 chapters that showcase Rosa’s sublime strings and Turkos’ lively bass, while “O, Were I On Parnassus Hill” is a rich and melodic album highlight that’s textured superbly and allows for Rosa’s expressive pipes to shine.
“Greensleeves” and “Wondrous Machine” exit the listen. The former is a gentle and technical moment of timeless interaction between the pair, and the latter enlists Alexa Haynes-Pilon’s lively bassoon and electronics from Alec Say that align with a very interesting mashing of modern-pop and classical.
A truly original effort that blends baroque, folk, classical and contemporary ideas into improvisation, collaboration and composition, every track present is a treasure to be enjoyed repeatedly.
Travels well with: Greg Sandow- Three Quartets; Natalie Draper- Interlaced