Here’s a mellow, thoughtful collection of songs, influenced by folk, jazz and popular ballads, along with the occasional mix of soundscapes from nature and church bells. It’s the latest from the eclectic sextet Talinka, a quartet led by vocalist, songwriter and actress Tali Atzmon, wife of multi-instrumentalist Gilad Atzmon, who makes a major contribution to the different sound textures and moods on this atmospheric album.
The mix of traditional English folk music with some jazz standards and originals works really well. There is a sense of connection with the sentiments of the songs, and interpretations are both original, fresh and yet faithful to the spirit of the source materials. A slow burn accordion intro to Greensleeves offers a new take on a familiar theme, and Tali Atzmon gives a haunting interpretation of She Moved Through The Fair.
With its pared back ruminations, Talinka encourages the listener to pause, take stock and really engage with the music and the lyrics. It’s beautifully done.
Discography
Rainbow Over Kolonaki; If I Should Lose You; She Moved Through The Fair; I’m A Fool To Want You; Greensleeves; Perdita; Time Runs Out; Scarborough Fair; When Apollo Smiles; I’ll Be Seeing You (49.01)
Yaron Stavi (b); Jenny Bliss Bennett (vn, vla, v); Tali Atzmon (v, uke); Gilad Atzmon (accordion, ts, cl, bcl), Ross Stanley (p); Billy Pod (pc, d). London, 6-7 September 2019 and Athens, 19 September 2019.
Fanfare Records FF1902
