James Blackshaw’s ninth album, All Is Falling, is eight tracks of musical sublimity, that need no lyrics or vocals to accompany the impressive instrumentals. Playing his 12 string electric guitar with a delicate and mesmerising subtlety, this album cannot fail to impress.
The progressive, All Is Falling, parts 1 – 8, is one continually evolving piece of exquisite music, that flows with melodies and cascading sections of instrumental genius. This is James Blackshaw’s first recorded material, using a 12 string guitar, along with the use of piano, glockenspiel and percussion and with the assistance of Charlotte Glasson, who plays violin, flute, alto, saxophone and glockenspiel, Fran Bury, who plays violin and Daniel Madav, who plays cello.
A flowing medley of musical creation, you hear the music grow and grow, part by part, as each subtle overtone, flows over the last, allowing this intricate and sensitive musical representation of emotion and romance to flourish.
A gentle stream, steadily flowing around the twists and turns of its serene landscape, this record soon becomes a wild, awe inspiring river, deep and majestic, with each twist and ripple, providing yet another scene to gaze upon, or in the case of this recording, providing the listener with another piece of instrumental glory to reflect upon.
This is by no means the type of music that I would normally listen to This orchestral symphony of classic instruments is far removed, from the indie and electro music that fills my record collection, yet I am left a gasp and in complete mesmerisation for the sheer beauty and passion that this music holds and its ability to carry itself without any vocals or lyrics.
Truly a masterpiece and a show of unmistakable talent.
Stereoboard Rating 9/10.
All Is Falling is due for release on the 30th August, in support of this release, The James Blackshaw Ensemble, have confirmed a headline show at London’s Bush Hall on the 2nd September and a performance, as special guests on the SWANS shows in October.
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This is by no means the type of music that I would normally listen to This orchestral symphony of classic instruments is far removed, from the indie and electro music that fills my record collection, yet I am left a gasp and in complete mesmerisation for the sheer beauty and passion that this music holds and its ability to carry itself without any vocals or lyrics.
