Delaney

I went looking for Boismortier cello duets to buy online... typed everythingcello . com, found danieldelaneymusic.com and now, as an excuse to stop my blah practicing and as a diversion from the reality of my current cello chop weaknesses, I'm listening to Skye and Folk Suite. So many cellists are finding their own personal bands now. They record and layer their own sound; the cello, their voice, their own rhythmic accompaniment of chopping... A perhaps easier and more satisfying band experience for the contemporary cellist trying to fit into a band; a way to avoid the stereotypes... token cellist as a sex icon in a traditional band filling out harmonies, cello as the new electric guitar, cello as the new double bass, cello as the bridge between classical, folk and rock. Perhaps this last the most authentic in its recent roles even if it still fills a stereotype. Delaney sings well in tune with rich chords and choppy rhythms, intimate personal words. His piece September is interesting because it has more jazz than rock influence and isn't so stuck where cellos have landed even with the chop and hand slaps reminiscent of Julie-O. I could do without the full-out arco chords. What I like is the jazzy 'bach-ness' of September and this makes me listen to it again, and again. It is thick and dexterous with a swing. Edit, Delaney and we'd be cool! 

7/8/16 Just watched Maya Beiser on Tiny Desk Concerts NPR. She also creates her own ensemble through her own sound. I enjoyed her piece but have to say I reacted to the girl cellist stereotype image despite huge respect for her career.