Su-a Lee – Dialogues (Self released, 2022)
South Korea-born virtuoso cellist Su-a Lee has created a gorgeous debut solo album of deeply gratifying collaborations titled “Dialogues.” The album presents exquisite and rejoicing musical conversations between Su-a Lee’s cello and the musical instruments of her all-time favorite folk musicians from her current home and abroad. “Dialogues” masterfully incorporates Celtic music from Scotland and Canada, South American tango, Finnish music and beyond.
Throghout her career, Scotland-based Su-a Lee has explored various musical genres, venturing beyond her classical chamber music background. She has worked with some of the finest world music artists and continues to expand her form of expression. Many of the pieces on “Dialogues” are original compositions, written especially for the album and dedicated to her, while others are fresh arrangements of traditional tunes.
Su-a Lee said: “Playing solo is not really my thing. I am energized by working with other people, especially these people. I didn’t want my debut solo album to be just about me taking the limelight. This album celebrates the musician featured on each track. Each piece reveals something of their roots, identity and inspirations, while also striking a chord with me. As much as this album is about finding my own voice, it is also about the interaction and development of two voices. Welcome to our dialog.”
“Dialogues” also takes a look at the role of the cello in folk music. Actually, the cello is the original Scottish folk rhythm section instrument. Famous Scottish fiddlers of the 18th century, like Neil Gow, Peter Milne and James Scott Skinner, were regularly accompanied by a cellist. However, the cello went out of fashion for a century or so, in favor of guitar, piano and other instruments.
Su-a continued: “I was keen to build on the use of more cello in trad music. I hope this album will be the first step in creating a resource of repertoire to inspire other cellists.”
The cello is presently experiencing a regeneration in the folk world, particularly through influential masters such as Natalie Haas, who is featured on track three of the album in an original composition dedicated to her fellow cello pioneer, Waltzska for Su-a.
Artists featured on “Dialogues” include Finnish violin soloist, chamber musician and conductor Pekka Kuusisto; Donald Shaw of Capercaillie on piano and harmonium; Gaelic vocal star Julie Fowlis; US-based Scottish virtuoso harp player Maeve Gilchrist; Dutch Bandoneón player Carel Kraayenhof; acclaimed singer-songwriter Karine Polwart; celebrated accordionist Phil Cunningham; fiddle players Donald Grant, Duncan Chisholm, Jenna Reid, and Patsy Reid; pianist James Ross; flutist Hamish Napier.
The album ends with a solo track by Su-a, a recording of ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ arranged by her late friend and colleague in the Scottish Chamber Orchestra cello section, celebrated musician, composer and arranger Kevin McCrae.
Su-a explained: “Although the final track is not strictly a duo collaboration like all the other tracks, it is a meaningful nod to a dear friend and a thank you for giving me a lifelong appreciation of Scottish folk music.”
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Su-a Lee is one of Scotland’s most respected and multitalented cellists. she has collaborated with rock stars Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce (Cream); jazz musicians Peter Erskine (Weather Report) and Thomas Strønen; Indian sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan; and Scottish folk-electronica pioneer Martyn Bennett. She works extensively within the UK classical and folk music scenes having played with the Scottish Chamber Orchestra for nearly 30 years, and is a founding member of the highly creative Mr. McFall’s Chamber that formed 26 years ago and has collaborated with artists of all genres and mediums.
Dialogues is now available on CD, download and stream from Bandcamp. It will be available to stream and download from all other streaming platforms on Friday, January 20, 2023.
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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.