The Sargasso Season

From the first few bars of the opening title-track, The Sargasso Season resounds with mellifluous beauty stemming from the pairing of Erica Dee Mah’s softly articulated singing voice combined with the singular twanging sound of the Chinese guzheng. Yukon, Canada-based singer-songwriter Mah spent years researching and learning to play the ancient Asian plucked zither before recording the album’s nine tracks with long-time collaborator Jordy Walker (keyboard, percussion, bass, piano). Additional accompaniment is provided by Mah’s husband, Darcy McCord, on cello and vocals; Alana Martinson on violin; and Toby Moisey on alto flute.

Leaning on her classical background, Mah transformed a group of songs written a decade ago into contemplative ruminations on topics such as oceanic journeys (‘The Sargasso Season’), Chinese-Canadian identity across generations (‘Snow Angels’) and discovering connection in the landscape (‘The Canyon’). The versatility of the guzheng allowed its use both as guitar and string section within arrangements drawing from the realms of neo-folk and chamber music.