Caoilfhionn Rose - Constellation [Gondwana Records]

Format: LP on black BioVinyl, in a heavy coated cardboard sleeve, includes double-sided printed insert and digital download code.
CAT: GONDLP069

With her third album for Gondwana Records, 'Constellation', Caoilfhionn Rose reaches her artistic maturity, delving deeper to find new experimental ways to express her awe at the beauty of nature, her love for music in all its diversity, and her belief in the restorative power that both offer in a turbulent post-COVID world.

The ten tracks on 'Constellation' feel rooted in a knowledge of folk, jazz and the great 20th-century classical composers, and yet they seem to create a magical, otherworldly space, born from her own imagination, combining Caoilfhionn's central piano with synthesizers, and contrasting a live rhythm section and saxophone embellishments with ambient samples and future-oriented production techniques.

'Constellation' features contributions from Halsall's rhythm section—drummer Alan Taylor and bassist Gavin Barras—as well as Jordan Smart from Mammal Hands, whose flexible saxophone exquisitely colors the edges of most of the songs. Also featured as guests are: John Ellis, former member of The Cinematic Orchestra, who beatifically plays the piano at the end of 'Fall Into Place', and producer Aaron Wood, who provides a series of ambient samples that add a textured beauty throughout 'Rainfall'.

"I love being open to collaboration," Rose comments enthusiastically, "and the album is a collage that weaves together all these influences, sounds, and musicians, diving headfirst into production experimentation."