This past March, London-based composer & producer Lucy Claire began her wonderful new ‘Works’ series, a string of EP releases each featuring a different focus. The second installment has just arrived in the form of Piano Works, a beguiling collection of bittersweet compositions and sketches performed on a range of pianos from grands and uprights to electric keyboards and toy & thumb types. Ever the consummate collaborator, this edition features Lucy alongside guest performances by cellist Ren Ford (Keaton Henson’s Romantic Works), violinist Marie Schreer (The Royal Northern Sinfonia), and ambient guitarist Pete Lambrou (VLMV).
Echoing the art on the cover made by Lucy herself, the music paints in vibrant shades of blue. “Nettle”, “Willow” and “Dear Shadows” are all haunted by a melancholic romanticism which becomes infused with fervency by Ford’s cello on the gorgeous “Sage”. In keeping with the delicate nature and spectral hints of the compositions, the ornamental filigree of the surrounding binaural soundscapes is especially fine, eventually seeping into the foreground on the lush “Outro” which closes the album. Piano Works is a delightful package; just enough to savor and to whet the appetite for the next entry in the series.
Piano Works is now available in limited CD edition with cardboard wallet and artwork as well or as a digital download via 1631 Recordings.
Links: Lucy Claire Bandcamp (CD) | 1631 Recordings (digital) | Lucy Claire website
photo by Alex Kozobolis
