Song: Jewelcase CD

The brand new solo album from celebrated cellist Sheku-Kanneh Mason, which reveals more about the star and what inspires him than ever before. Entitled ‘Song’ (referring to the unique singing tone of the cello), this is Sheku’s most personal album yet, presenting a musical portrait of the gifted musician. Stretching from Bach to Bacharach, ‘Song’ sees Sheku present an extraordinary kaleidoscope of music, joined by some of the musicians he loves working with, collaborating with both family and friends while showcasing his skills as both arranger and composer. He and his cello travel effortlessly from simple folk tunes through to classical works including Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Stravinsky, to jazz melodies and an original pop song, written by the cellist himself – all the while demonstrating his innate ability to communicate with his listeners. This eclectic mix of styles, all tied together by the striking sound of Sheku’s cello, reflects his breadth as a musician, demonstrating how he takes inspiration from many genres.

The new record follows Sheku’s two previous Classical No.1 solo albums, ‘Inspiration’ (2018) and ‘Elgar’ (2020), with the latter reaching No.8 in the Official UK Album Chart, making him the first cellist in the history of the UK Charts to break into the Top 10.

TRACKS

1    Traditional: Star of the County Down (Arr. Sheku Kanneh-Mason for Cello)     
2    J. Parry: Myfanwy (Arr. Sheku Kanneh-Mason for Cello)     
3    Lullaby for Kamila (Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Harry Baker for Cello and Piano)     
4    Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 1, W246: 2. Prelúdio (Modinha) (Arr. Parkin for 5 Cellos)     
5    Beethoven: 12 Variations on ""Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen"", Op. 66     
6    Mendelssohn: Songs without Words, Op. 62: No. 1, Andante espressivo     
7    Mendelssohn: Songs without Words, Op. 109     
8    Massenet: Elégie for Soprano, Cello and Piano     
9    Stravinsky: Chanson russe (Arr. Markevitch for Cello and Piano)     
10    J.S. Bach: Komm, süßer Tod, komm selge Ruh, BWV 478 (Arr. Sheku Kanneh-Mason for 5 Cellos)     
11    Messiaen: Quatuor pour la fin du temps: V. Louange à l'Eternité de Jésus     
12    J.S. Bach: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, BWV 659 (Arr. Sheku Kanneh-Mason for 4 Cellos)     
13    Cry Me a River (Arr. for Cello and Piano)     
14    Falling in Love Again (Arr. Parkin for 2 Cellos)     
15    Finnis: Prelude I     
16    Finnis: Prelude II     
17    Finnis: Prelude III     
18    Finnis: Prelude IV     
19    Finnis: Prelude V     
20    Same Boat     
21    Bacharach, David: I Say a Little Prayer (Arr. Sheku Kanneh-Mason for Cello)