Performer: Sheku Kanneh-Mason, Isata Kanneh-Mason, Harry Baker, Hannah Roberts, Ben Davies, Desmond Neysmith, Max Ruisi, James Baillieu
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Decca
Catalogue: 4853169
Release: 2022
Size: 1.33 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
01. trad.: Star of the County Down (Arr. for Solo Cello)
02. Parry: Myfanwy (Arr. for Solo Cello)
03. Kennedy, Kukurba, Bawol, Lato: Lullaby for Kamila (Arr. for Cello and Piano)
Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 1 for at least 8 cellos
04. 2. Prelúdio (Modinha) (Arr. for 5 Cellos)
05. Beethoven: Variations on “Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen” for Cello and Piano, Op. 66
Mendelssohn: Songs without Words, Op. 62
06. No. 1, Andante espressivo
07. Mendelssohn: Song without Words for Cello & Piano, Op. 109
08. Massenet: Elégie for Soprano, Cello and Piano
09. Stravinsky: Chanson russe (Arr. for Cello and Piano)
10. Bach: Come, Sweet Death, BWV 478 (Arr. for 5 Cellos)
Messiaen: Quatuor pour la fin du temps
11. V. Louange à l’Eternité de Jésus
12. Bach: Savior of the Nations, Come, BWV 659 (Arr. for 4 Cellos)
13. Hamilton: Cry Me a River (Arr. for Cello and Piano)
14. Holländer: Falling in Love Again (Arr. for 2 Cellos)
15. Finnis: Prelude I
16. Finnis: Prelude II
17. Finnis: Prelude III
18. Finnis: Prelude IV
19. Finnis: Prelude V
20. Kanneh-Mason, Abel: Same Boat
21. Bacharach: I Say a Little Prayer (Arr. for Solo Cello)
“Song” features music from across the entire spectrum of classical, folk, jazz and pop – all personally curated by Sheku. The eclectic mix of styles are tied together by one thing – the unique singing voice of Sheku’s cello. On “Song”, Sheku collaborates with friends and family, including jazz pianist Harry Baker, singer-songwriter Zak Abel, and soprano Pumeza Matshikiza.
The brand new solo album from celebrated cellist Sheku-Kanneh Mason, which reveals more about the star and what inspires him than ever before. Entitled ‘Song’ (referring to the unique singing tone of the cello), this is Sheku’s most personal album yet, presenting a musical portrait of the gifted musician. Stretching from Bach to Bacharach, ‘Song’ sees Sheku present an extraordinary kaleidoscope of music, joined by some of the musicians he loves working with, collaborating with both family and friends while showcasing his skills as both arranger and composer. He and his cello travel effortlessly from simple folk tunes through to classical works including Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Stravinsky, to jazz melodies and an original pop song, written by the cellist himself – all the while demonstrating his innate ability to communicate with his listeners. This eclectic mix of styles, all tied together by the striking sound of Sheku’s cello, reflects his breadth as a musician, demonstrating how he takes inspiration from many genres.
The new record follows Sheku’s two previous Classical No.1 solo albums, ‘Inspiration’ (2018) and ‘Elgar’ (2020), with the latter reaching No.8 in the Official UK Album Chart, making him the first cellist in the history of the UK Charts to break into the Top 10.