Freedom to Roam The Rhythms of Migration

What are ‘the rhythms of migration’ – are they natural, forced, seasonal? And how do you evoke or embody them in music? Flautist Eliza Marshall does that by bringing together an octet of classical, folk and world musicians and letting them roam free. The many tributaries of migration, spread across these 14 instrumental tracks, create an immersive whole for the listener to enter into and explore.

Joining Marshall are harpist Catrin Finch, classical violinist Jackie Shave, the tablas of Kuljit Bhamra, guitarist Dónal Rogers, cellist Robert Irvine, viola player Lydia Lowndes-Northcott and percussionist Joby Burgess. Naturally enough, the album was conceived in a lockdown where no one was roaming anywhere, and there’s a strong chambered, interior feel to these musical movements, as they transit through tempos, moods and atmospheres, which are full of contrasts. ‘Awakenings’ does stir as if from shrouded sleep, ‘Arctic Lament’ really is glacial, ‘Turning Tides’ flows away on Finch’s harp, and the music of ‘A Quiet Place’ does feel like a shelter. It’s a visual, tactile music, cinematic album – ‘Rain’ ends with tropical downpours, segueing into the weightless sensations of ‘Green Shoots and Galaxies’. It’s an album that travels far without opening the door.