ma fleur by the cinematic orchestra is simply breathtaking – album of the year so far. it is a stripped back minimal sound that is achingly beautiful. breathe features fontella bass on vocals and the account of how they recorded that track in last week’s guardian makes it an even more amazing track…
Bass is in frail health after a series of strokes, but having worked
with her on Every Day, Swinscoe knew she had the voice he wanted for a
track called Breathe. Knowing how she was helped in to the studio, with
Swinscoe turning pages for her and pointing to the words, makes the
recording poignant, especially as it is about someone facing the end of
their life.
all the vocals are exquisite. lou rhodes sings a gorgeous track time and space. she seems to specialise in evoking wonder at the gift of life. this would make a beautiful track for the baptism of a child (as would beloved one of course). the good news is that they are playing at the big chill – it’s turning into quite some line up this year.
just bought it…
you will not be disappointed!
good to hear big reviews – still waiting for it to arrive in Australia (another week to go)
saw them live at the barbican last week – they have got an amazing new singer called patrick watson who also supported them. he has got a cool website http://www.patrickwatson.net/site_content.php with some music and videos on. gilles has also had cinematic orchestra in session last week and it is still on radio1s listen again