Colla Voche

In Colla Voche, Dutch cellist Ernst Reijseger, Sardinian vocal choirs Tenore and Concordu de Orosei, and Scottish percussionist Alan "Gunga" Purves create a soothing album of beautiful melodies with a strong focus on harmonies. Reijseger, Tenore de Orosei, and Concordu de Orosei have each recorded solo albums for the Winter & Winter label in the past and, when they met in Venice in early 1998, they began making music together on the spot. Later that year, the Sardinian singers and Reijseger met up again, this time to record the improvised blending of their musics. The multi-instrumental percussion of Alan "Gunga" Purves accompanied their week-long, nightly recording at the Cattedrale di S. Pietro in Galtelli near Orosei, Italy. The music flows back and forth between new and traditional material, but there is a consistent sound and calm atmosphere throughout. Reijseger plucks, strums, and bows along with the chant and drone vocals of Tenore and Concordu de Orosei, while the percussive accompaniment always remains light. There are many instrumental moments as well, including Reijseger's solo during "Su Puddhu" and the trio piece "Armonica," played by Purves, Reijseger, and choir member Patrizio Mura on mouth organ. The album closes with an upbeat traditional dance song, "Dillu." Although the musicians' respective solo albums are the best showcase of their talent, this is a lovely and worthwhile album.