Album Review: Jo Quail - Invocation/Supplication
Reviewed by Rick Eaglestone
Internationally acclaimed composer and virtuoso cellist Jo Quail returns with her latest double album Invocation Supplication
Comprising of two three song cycles the double album begins with Invocation, of which opening track Macha begins with the feel of a folk horror score with rich soundscapes of chants, French horn, and bellowing cello parts. This is followed up by the shorter, hauntingly atmospheric Willow Of All
The final composition of the piece Baroscyre is a wonderfully woven mix of elements already showcased in places it feels like a dungeon synth but the dominant vocals and vibrant collective of musicians really bring to life the composer’s vision – Jo composed this section with Heilung’s Maria Frantz in mind and her contributions are nothing short of breathtaking.
Following this is Supplication which begins with The Calling and introduces the other artist Jo specifically crafted for, Italian vocalist Lorenzo Esposito Fornasari whose gentle, floaty and incredibly heart rendering vocals shift the focus and dynamic into waves of emotional sorrow of which the slower accompaniments really add a richness that if you have ever had the pleasure of Jo Quail perform in a live setting would truly appreciate just how well this translates onto a studio album.
Moving onto the more classical piece Maestoso much like other albums opening track is really given the opportunity to flourish in part to its duration coming in at seven and half minutes, there are wave upon wave of musicianship flourishes that must undeniably evoke an appreciation from the listener to appreciate something so strikingly beautiful and this piece in in particularly encapsulates that.
Final piece Kyralaste does a phenomenal job in leaving no doubt that soundscapes interwoven throughout the double album really work together as a collective, each have their own strength and merit but to fully appreciate what Jo has done here they really do need to be enjoyed together.
I have had the pleasure to experience Jo in a live setting and she has warm nature and really takes the time to connect with audience about pieces and their lifecycle and after this double album I really hope I get the get the opportunity to do this once again.
The mix and mastering by Tim Johnson at the aptly named Cinematic Mixing expertly binds together the two releases with the end result being yet again flawless demonstrations of enriching compositions.
