To say the least, an electric viola da gamba is an uncommon instrument. Consequently, I had little preconception of what Thursday’s CD launch would entail. The simple answer is that it is all about exceptionally creative and innovative music and extraordinarily skilful performers that display their considerable talents with complex and intriguing compositions.
Jenny Eriksson’s electric viola da gamba is at the heart of Elysian Fields and she is joined by the impressive contributors: pianist Matt McMahon, saxophonist Matt Keegan, vocalist and violinist Susie Bishop, bass guitarist Siebe Pogson and Dave Goodman on drums. Their diverse backgrounds might seem at odds but it is fascinating how the classical, baroque, jazz and folk sensibilities can complement each other when the compositions, arrangements and skills of the musicians are all of such a high standard. The delicate interplay of styles and the impeccable harmonies are some of the features that make this unlikely mixture very entertaining and enriching.
Most of the tracks on the album were written by band members and the range and diversity is head spinning. A centre piece of the album is the song cycle What Should I Say, where Matt McMahon has taken Thomas Wyatt’s sixteenth century poems and set them to music. This pairing of poetry and music creates a richly emotional bond and the result is transcendent. Susie Bishop’s ethereal singing of these songs takes them to another level.
Siebe Pogson’s Dark Dreaming is an energetic up tempo song about being trapped in a bad dream and its modern aesthetic is a further indication of the diversity of this band. Yet another genre is explored in Matt Keegan’s Elysium, with its pulsating piano, swirling viola and haunting bass sax treading lightly towards the avant garde. Further diversity is found in Mats Norrefalk’s Southern Cross, a modern continental jazz track written by a Swedish sailor about the first time he saw the Southern Cross. In case the audience needed another genre to experience Elysian Fields performed a Swedish folk song with Siebe and Dave combining with some smooth rhythms and Susie providing pure and exquisite vocals.
Elysian Field’s album What Should I Say is recommended for discerning listeners who want to be captivated and extended. The album was launched at Foundry616 on 14th March, 2019.