There are few people around like Jo Quail. For the past decade and more she has bridged the worlds of classical and heavy music in a style that is individual, unique, and complex. Her appearances are legendary, her tours with the likes of Wardruna and Amenra fit with an ease that is hard to define. She’s also one of the most friendly and enjoyable people that I’ve ever interviewed.
The Cartographer is her latest work, commissioned by the internationally acclaimed Roadburn Festival. Originally scheduled for the 2020 event, it was postponed until recently where she was able to perform it in full at the 013 venue in Tilburg. Exploring the space where classical instrumentation and contemporary heavy music interest, it was by all s a rather fine hour.
Comprising five movements, two which are lengthy pieces, The Cartographer incorporates brass, violins, piano, spoken word and even singing as well as Quail’s enigmatic mastery of the cello, her use of innovative loops and overall cinematic composition.
“Movement One” begins with a loud gong that fades as spoken word eases in. The movement then descends into a darkened, science fiction flavoured segment that sees Quail’s cello take centre stage. It’s a troubling, deep, thought provoking and hugely impressive piece, with an atmosphere which is generated with stunning movements, increases in tempo and mesmerising parts that ebb and flow. It segues into the nine-minute “Movement Two” which begins with sweeping background effects, light picking and a horn that sounds from nowhere. It’s cinematic, enchanting, and broodingly heavy with an atmosphere that builds in both temperature and dramatic intent.
It’s “Movement Three” that is the centrepiece of the whole work. A 15-minute masterpiece that swells with darkness, intensity, and foreboding. Dissonant piano chords, a ferocious solo drum, industrial murmurings, brass, and the growling roars of Jake Harding. It all combines into one of the most incredible pieces of work that Jo Quail has ever delivered. It takes repeated plays to absorb it fully, and even now, I’m still in awe. It’s a score of such impressive quality, that one wonders which huge blockbuster will snap it up. Surely, a Tolkien inspired Jackson epic would find it a ready-made soundtrack?
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Having recovered from “Movement Three”, there’s little time to catch breath before “Movement Four” moves into central position. It builds quickly, moving to violin and brass and percussive loops, once more providing a heaviness that is created through the ambience generated.
Jo Quail’s music has always been evocative, and The Cartographer may well be the most evocative of all her works to date. There’s something almost indescribable about the way she composes and combines the music in these pieces. The brass on “Movement Four” is bold but never overpowers the drama that is crafted by the percussion, electric cello, and other instruments. The tension that is generated is stunning.
This all leads to the shortest piece, “Movement Five”. This is no throwaway finale, with the inclusion of haunting female vocals, rising temperature, and a fabulously soaring conclusion to a set of works that I would happily state is amongst the finest work Jo has ever produced.
Alongside Jo, the cast for this magnificent work needs to be acknowledged. Danielle Van Berkom’s electric violin sits alongside Floris Berbeij’s skill on the piano, whilst vocals are provided by Jake Harding and Lucie Dehli. Orchestral percussion works magnificently throughout, thanks to Nils Jenster and Vito Guerrieri whilst the 8 Trombones (The New Trombone Collective – Remko De Jager, Koen Kaptijn, Alexander Verbeek, Pierre Volders, Sebastiaan Kemner, Lode Smeets, Mark Boonstra and Brandt Atemma). Finally, the spoken word has been written by Jo and narrated by Alice Krige.
They say that metal and classical music are natural bedfellows. The Cartographer demonstrates how right that saying is. Jo Quail is part of the metal community now and this album will only deservedly enhance her reputation. This is one of the albums of 2022 and needs to be shared and listened to, widely but also with consideration and measured concentration.
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The Cartographer is out on May 6th
Header image by JacQue Photography
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