Performer: Bryn Terfel
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Deutsche Grammophon
Catalogue: 4864884
Release: 2024
Size: 1.08 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
01. Fflat Huw Puw
02. Drunken Sailor
03. Codi Angor
04. Whisky, Johnny!
05. Sloop John B
06. Me ‘zo ganet e-kreiz ar mor
07. Ar lan y môr
08. Santiana
09. The Green Willow Tree
10. The Unst Boat Song
11. The Wellerman
12. Ye Mariners All
13. Harbwr Corc
14. Bold Riley
15. Mae’r gwynt yn deg
16. The Irish Rover
17. Leave Her, Johnny
Bryn Terfel’s first studio album in over five years featuring wildly romantic “Sea Songs”. Shanties and songs about the sea and seafaring in a folky guise such as “Wellerman”, “Bold Riley”, “Drunken Sailor” or “Sloop John B”, with guests such as Sting (“Green Willow Tree”), Simon Keenlyside and the enchanting Welsh folk group Calan, and the a capella choir “Fisherman’s Friends”.
Generally, the news is good on this entertaining release of sea songs from Sir Bryn Terfel, and those hoping for an hour of fun will not be disappointed. Terfel sounds terrific as he enters late career at age 58, with ease at both ends of his considerable range. His expansive personality is beautifully suited to the music, and he remains one of the opera singers with the best instinct for connecting with an audience. No texts are provided, even for physical album buyers, and in the English-language songs, they are really not needed; Terfel’s diction is not only clear but infectious. Of course, the lack of texts is a bit of a disappointment for songs in Welsh, Breton, and even the extinct Norn (The Unst Boat Song). However, as usual, Terfel’s comfort as he sings in Welsh is palpable. The variety of the album is its strong point. One might take issue with individual songs (Terfel’s Sloop John B is hardly idiomatic), but there will be something else coming around that corner that will regain the listener’s attention. Sting puts in an appearance, but there are also various chamber folk ensembles and appearances by Welsh vocalist Eve Goodman and the Welsh folk group Calan that must have those musicians rejoicing. Deutsche Grammophon backs Terfel up with unfussy sound from Cardiff’s Acapela Studios, and the bottom line is simply that this release from the great bass-baritone is a great deal of fun.