SONG – SHEKU KANNEH-MASON

Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s latest album, “Song,” takes us on a deeply personal musical journey, showcasing the young cellist’s growth and maturity as a musician. In contrast to his previous release, “Inspiration,” which explored works that influenced him during his formative years, “Song” delves into the musician he has become today, presenting a diverse and eclectic selection of pieces.

Right from the outset, the album establishes its focus on the expressive qualities of the cello. The opening track, a tender arrangement of the Irish tune “Star of the County Down,” sets the tone for the entire recital. Kanneh-Mason’s playing is warmly lyrical, and his emotive interpretation shines through. In the following track, his skillful use of bow strokes and vibrato in the Welsh song “Myfanwy” further emphasizes his dedication to the singing aspects of his instrument.

Throughout the album, Kanneh-Mason showcases his versatility by exploring different genres. The mercurial shifts of “Lullaby for Kamilla” are beautifully captured, while the blues-influenced harmonies in “Cry Me a River” evoke a more extroverted emotional response from both the cellist and pianist Harry Baker. The surprising success of his arrangement of Burt Bacharach’s “I Say a Little Prayer” demonstrates his ability to infuse a familiar piece with playful elegance and sweetness.

For those seeking more classical repertoire, the five-cello arrangement of Villa-Lobos’ “Prelúdio” and Beethoven’s “12 Variations on ‘Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen'” offer moments of technical fluency and artistic finesse. The velvety yet introverted coloring in the two arrangements of Mendelssohn’s “Songs without Words” and the beautifully played “Louange à l’Éternité de Jésus” from Messiaen’s “Quartet for the End of Time” further display Kanneh-Mason’s expressive depth.

While some listeners may come to the album expecting more technically demanding pieces, Kanneh-Mason’s intent is clear: he invites us into an intimate space, sharing music that has profoundly touched and influenced him. The album may not aim to impress with virtuosic brilliance, but it excels in its communicative power and the unyielding beauty of Kanneh-Mason’s playing.

Ultimately, “Song” will undoubtedly resonate with the cellist’s devoted fan base, but it also seeks to attract a broader audience by offering an engaging variety of genres. Through this collection, Sheku Kanneh-Mason shares his musical soul, inviting us to experience the emotional depth and sensitivity that have come to define his remarkable artistry.