END OF MY DAYS

Ruby Hughes returns with her third album, “End of My Days,” showcasing her remarkable vocal prowess and an eclectic repertoire that spans almost 500 years. Collaborating with the Manchester Collective, Hughes delivers a diverse collection of works, featuring both well-known and lesser-known composers. The album presents a sonic journey that captivates with its expressive performances and thoughtful programming. 

The album opens with Brian Elias’ “Meet Me in the Green Glen,” a bold choice that allows Hughes to shine without any accompaniment. Her vocal clarity, diction, and expressiveness are on full display, creating a haunting atmosphere that draws listeners in. The Manchester Collective makes a strong entrance with Caroline Shaw’s “Valencia,” demonstrating their mastery of motivic minimalism and texture layering. 

David Bruce’s arrangements of John Dowland’s laments introduce an interesting twist, though some may find them less effective than the original compositions for voice and lute. Despite some differences in timbre, the performers deliver a highly expressive performance, emphasizing the shifts between light and dark harmonic colors in “Flow My Tears” and achieving a mellow tapestry in “Crystal Tears.” 

The eponymous track, “End of my Days,” from Errollyn Wallen’s set, “Are You Worried about the Rising Cost of Funerals?” adds a darker theme to the album. Hughes and the ensemble skillfully navigate the dichotomy between resignation and defiance, creating a poignant interpretation that explores the acceptance of the inevitable. 

Standout tracks include Jake Heggie’s arrangements of Debussy’s Chansons Bilitis, where Hughes collaborates with the Manchester Collective to bring out the more nuanced side of Debussy’s whimsical compositions. “La Flûte de Pan” captures an intimate soundspace, while “La Chevelure” reveals tension and conflict between the strings and Hughes’ rapture-filled melody. The final track, “Le Tombeau des Naïades,” concludes with unexpected optimism, leaving a lasting impression. 

The sound engineers at BIS deserve commendation for sensibly balancing the voice and instruments, creating a clear and immersive listening experience. The inclusion of SACD surround sound enhances the clarity, making the audience feel intimately connected to the performances. The addition of song texts and translations further enriches the overall experience. 

“End of My Days” is a testament to Ruby Hughes’ versatility and the collaborative synergy with the Manchester Collective. With top-notch performances and thoughtful programming, this album is a must-listen for those seeking a captivating journey through centuries of vocal and instrumental artistry. Highly recommended without reservation.