David Grubb – Circadia (Cambrian Records, 2024)
Circadia is a fearlessly original instrumental album that explores the human subconscious, structured around the stages of a typical sleep cycle. Beginning in a wakeful state, Circadia guides listeners through hypnagogic experiences, the phases of sleep, and various dream-like phenomena. With each track, David Grubb reflects a different aspect of the subconscious, whether euphoric or unsettling, emphasizing the vast and unpredictable nature of the mind.
David Grubb, a highly regarded violinist and multi-instrumentalist, has built a reputation for combining diverse musical styles. On Circadia, he elegantly intertwines evocative Celtic music from the Scottish tradition with spellbinding electronics, chamber folk, high energy folk-rock, splendid contemporary jazz piano, spoken word, and intricate, magical progressive rock-style passages.
Grubb’s career includes collaborations with notable artists such as Novo Amor, Jim Ghedi, and Toby Hay, as well as producers like Ali Chant and Neil Davidge. Moreover, Grubb has performed worldwide, including at prestigious venues like The Barbican Centre in London and the Bowery Ballroom in New York City.
Originally from East Wemyss, a village on Scotland’s east coast, Grubb’s early musical development was shaped by Scottish traditional music, western classical training, and his family’s varied musical tastes. He is now based in Cardiff, Wales, where he has lived for 15 year.
In addition to his solo work, Grubb is involved in various musical projects, including the Welsh trash-trad group NoGood Boyo and the bluegrass band Taff Rapids Stringband. Circadia, continues his genre-defying approach, creating immersive soundscapes that push the boundaries of musical storytelling.
Musicians: David Grubb on violin, viola, mandolin, musical saw, Theremin; Annie Perry on clarinet, bass clarinet; Corben Lee on piano, keyboards, suitcase celeste; Daniel Whitting on acoustic guitar, electric guitar; Aidan Thorne on double bass, electric bass; Jon Reynolds on drums, percussion; and Samuel Barnes on sound design.
Composed, arranged (with contributions from Annie, Corben, Dan, Aidan, Jon, and Sam.) and produced by David Grubb.
Recorded by Samuel Barnes at Giant Wafer Studios, Llanbadarn Fynyd. Supplementary sessions recorded at home by David Grubb to capture string pads, musical saw, theremin, and additional keyboards.
Mixed by Samuel Barnes at his home studio.
Mastered by Stuart Hamilton at Castlesound Studios.
Artwork by David Grubb and Annie Perry, inspired by the drawings of Santiago Ramón y Cajal.
Buy Circadia.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.