Release Date: October 18, 2024
Label: Curve Blue
"Amelia" opens the door to this recording and is
the second-longest composition at 6:07. The cello is David's doorway to
bringing in the other atmospheric instrumentation, including a lovely piano
that seems to be stepping carefully down a path led by David. The other
subtleties are an enhancement, making this opening a track a relaxing and
intimate way to bring the listener in and keep them.
"Voyager" begins with light percussion, and the cello
sounds magnificent and precise. A synth layer forms the backdrop, and an Erhu
adds extra texture and feeling as the cello answers beautifully. The percussion
remains light and practical while maintaining a constant, stable beat. The way
I hear the cello is like never before; it usually sounds so sad and longing,
but not this time. David's bending of the strings is so different in style and
tone that it makes you wonder how he created something so different and
sophisticated, separating himself from anyone else who played it.
The title track, "Other Worlds," comes in at
6:10 but is not the longest. You wonder how all of it will come
together with so much time involved in one track and with a cello, never a lead
instrument. It starts with more of that longing, faraway sound or feeling, yet
succinct and meaningful. It suddenly changes with rhythm by backing the cello
that calls out to your heart. Deep bass follows along with a touch of piano
arriving into the mix like water dropping off a leaf onto the ground; gentle,
but you know it's there, giving it more life and color.
"Rendezvous" starts with the cello and piano in an
interplay of sound and color. It sounds like it is leading into something soon.
The change comes with a more rhythmic approach, giving it immediate substance and
a stronger foundation from which to work and branch out, and it does
so without hesitation. The cello is in absolution for one instrument
within the weaving of sounds found in one track. I hear emotion amplified via
the notes as, once again, the piano's gentle accompaniment makes it more
sensory and unique for a listener.
"The Pilgrimage" is a magnificent oeuvre at 6:50
minutes. It starts very interestingly, with an entirely different tone and
resonance from the cello; you must hear it. An excellent guitar is in place; as
it goes through its paces and ebbs and flows like a river of sound, you know
what you are hearing is something special and begin to understand why nearly
seven minutes are needed to complete it. Some wordless vocals join the ever-present
percussive intonations to give a tribal hymn feel. The piano is always there to
add ambiance and flavor and is more significant in the last few minutes
before this complex composition ends.
"The Benedictine" sounds as you would imagine,
beginning with deeper wordless vocals, i.e., the monks. Of course, that is the
first thing that comes to mind when you see the track title. Once again,
another completely different turn of the music is chosen. The sound of the
cello is so different again; I cannot get over the character and sound that
David receives from his instrument. The Erhu is aching and calling to the cello
as it sounds more like the plucking of a bass with a pedal. I am speechless at
this point.
"Lament of the Fallen" takes a more serious (darker)
approach to sound, texture, and mood. The power of this music is
more evident now from the variety of the previous tracks offered. The
piano and violin are not strange bedfellows by any means. The cello tends to
add another chapter to the ongoing story with its long lines of reverberating
sound and total emotional, atmospheric presence.
"The Walk Home" is short and sweet, under two minutes,
but meaningful as the cello takes center stage to remind us of its emotional
pull and prowess.
Other Worlds is another masterpiece that David
Darling (who passed in 2021) left behind for us to ponder his incredible
talents. I promise you will never hear a cello played like this.
Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-NAMR Reviews
Founder
October 29, 2024
Tracks:
1. Amelia (6:07)
2. Voyager (5:12)
3. Other Worlds (6:10)
4. Rendezvous (5:34)
5. The Pilgrimage (6:50)
6. The Benedictine (4:50)
7. Lament of the Fallen (3:32)
8. The Walk Home (1:56)