CARLA DIRATZ & THE ARCHERS OF SORROW - The Scale
DISCUS MUSIC: 124CD
Carla Diratz: vocal; Martin Archer: saxophones, keyboards, clarinets, electronics; Nick Robinson: guitars; Dave Sturt: bass guitar; Adam Fairclough: drums; Charlotte Keeffe: trumpet; Jan Todd, Julie Archer: choral voices.
Recorded during 2020 and 2021; Carla’s vocals recorded by Edgar Moroni at Ed30 Studio; Flaux Trumpet recorded by Charlotte Keeffe at home in London; Bass and drums recorded by Robin Downe at Yellow Arch Studio; Choral voices recorded by Jan Todd at FrogPond Studio; Guitars recorded by Nick Robinson at Seaview Studio; Other recording by Martin Archer at Discus Music Studio, Sheffield.
In some respects, it feels quite a coup for Discus to record a signer of such international stature; in many other respects, the label feels a natural home for the passion and adventure with which she pursues the arts of song-writing and singing, particularly in terms of the entirely ‘sympathique’ playing of The Archers.
Diratz’ lyrics are a mixture of French, Italian, English, but the passion and intensity would be equally at home in Portuguese Fado or French manouche. It is these latter styles which give a flavour of the Middle Eastern tones and scales that her voice reflects and the husky emotion she conveys. The lyrics present a personal view of the world, sometimes sardonic, sometimes mournful or angry, but ultimately hopeful and optimistic.
The musical settings, which Martin Archer has named ‘Improg’, are collages of complex Prog rock rhythms, avant-rock melodic patterns, electronica and improvisation. Archer’s saxophones and Keefe’s trumpets, in particular, create space and depth in their improvised solos, reinforcing the messages of the lyrics and commenting on the rhythms and harmonies in subtle and fascinating ways. Rhythmically the album bounces between hard riffs (as in ‘Desert Prayer’ or ‘Teen dance’), Arabic pop music (like ‘I am with you’) and the deeper, scratchier reaches of improvised music. That Diratz’ voice sits comfortably and convincingly in all of these varied styles tells you all you need to know about her talent as a singer and songwriter.
This is an album that has that odd ability to repay careful, close listening with headphones and no distractions, while also being enjoyable at full volume with the sounds bouncing off the walls.
Reviewed by Chris Baber
DISCUS MUSIC: 124CD
Carla Diratz: vocal; Martin Archer: saxophones, keyboards, clarinets, electronics; Nick Robinson: guitars; Dave Sturt: bass guitar; Adam Fairclough: drums; Charlotte Keeffe: trumpet; Jan Todd, Julie Archer: choral voices.
Recorded during 2020 and 2021; Carla’s vocals recorded by Edgar Moroni at Ed30 Studio; Flaux Trumpet recorded by Charlotte Keeffe at home in London; Bass and drums recorded by Robin Downe at Yellow Arch Studio; Choral voices recorded by Jan Todd at FrogPond Studio; Guitars recorded by Nick Robinson at Seaview Studio; Other recording by Martin Archer at Discus Music Studio, Sheffield.
In some respects, it feels quite a coup for Discus to record a signer of such international stature; in many other respects, the label feels a natural home for the passion and adventure with which she pursues the arts of song-writing and singing, particularly in terms of the entirely ‘sympathique’ playing of The Archers.
Diratz’ lyrics are a mixture of French, Italian, English, but the passion and intensity would be equally at home in Portuguese Fado or French manouche. It is these latter styles which give a flavour of the Middle Eastern tones and scales that her voice reflects and the husky emotion she conveys. The lyrics present a personal view of the world, sometimes sardonic, sometimes mournful or angry, but ultimately hopeful and optimistic.
The musical settings, which Martin Archer has named ‘Improg’, are collages of complex Prog rock rhythms, avant-rock melodic patterns, electronica and improvisation. Archer’s saxophones and Keefe’s trumpets, in particular, create space and depth in their improvised solos, reinforcing the messages of the lyrics and commenting on the rhythms and harmonies in subtle and fascinating ways. Rhythmically the album bounces between hard riffs (as in ‘Desert Prayer’ or ‘Teen dance’), Arabic pop music (like ‘I am with you’) and the deeper, scratchier reaches of improvised music. That Diratz’ voice sits comfortably and convincingly in all of these varied styles tells you all you need to know about her talent as a singer and songwriter.
This is an album that has that odd ability to repay careful, close listening with headphones and no distractions, while also being enjoyable at full volume with the sounds bouncing off the walls.
Reviewed by Chris Baber
