CHARLIE WHEATLEY
Ratcliffe Cross
Ratcliffe Cross – a reference to the area of London where the album was recorded – is the debut album by multi-instrumentalist Charlie Wheatley. It is a solo album in the strictest terms in that he has played all the instruments himself, so we are treated to multi-layered instrumentals featuring guitar, viola, harmonium and cello da spalla, a 5-stringed smaller version of the usual instrument, which is played braced against the shoulder rather than between the legs, and apparently almost extinct in the wild (waits for protestations from cello da spalla players everywhere).
In contrast to many virtuoso players, it is the feel rather than the technique that is the treasure in this musical chest. Taking inspiration from traditional dance tunes of England and Wales, religious and choral traditions and drawing on researched manuscripts going back centuries in some cases, these are then blended with his own compositions, whilst gently adding elements of modern minimalism.
It’s a largely serene yet beautifully evocative mixture. Once can imagine the effect of the works being performed in spaces contemporaneous with much of his source material. There is a meditative aspect to the album, underpinned by the harmonium, whilst the guitar work is beguiling, tastefully understated, a feast to be savoured rather than greedily devoured in readiness for the next onslaught of notes. That said, repeated listens do yield new discoveries and the album had the feel of a complete work, possibly his magnum opus, rather than a series of individual tracks and is to be enjoyed a whole.
Apparently, the launch gig will feature the album performed a s a whole with a supporting cast of musicians, sadly down in London, but more geographically convenient readers may wish to explore.
Buy the CD from Charlie's website
Ratcliffe Cross