Since their formation in Bristol in 2016 Spindle Ensemble led by composer and pianist Daniel Inzani also featuring tuned percussionist Harriet Riley, cellist Jo Silverston and violinist Caelia Lunniss have garnered much praise for their innovative take on contemporary classical music, rooted in spontaneity and improvisation performed with deft musicianship and unique instrumental pairing all resulting in truly captivating sonic soundscapes. Their pieces are renowned for beautiful use of melody and harmony and a unique narrative style which transports listeners into their own inner-realm of imagery and storytelling.
Live performances are often accompanied by stunning visuals from various visual artists. The quartet are equally at home performing in concert halls such as the Union Chapel, the Southbank Centre, Bristol Beacon, St Georges Bristol and festivals including Shambala and Hidden Notes to churches, art centres, record shops and independent venues across the UK they continue to bring their music to a diverse and ever growing audience.
INKLING
Their critically acclaimed second album ‘Inkling’ was released in May 2021 on vinyl, CD and digital download by Hidden Notes Records (founded by Hidden Notes festival). It was a top selling modern classical album that year on bandcamp and was listed in the top 10 contemporary albums of 2021 by The Guardian.
The release was accompanied by 3 stunning music videos created by directors/animators: Okemah Sundown (Marie Lechevallier), Caligo (Narna Hue) and Chase (Fred Reed). The vinyl version comes with a special 12 page booklet which includes liner notes written by celebrated DJ and Broadcaster Nick Luscombe (BBC3’s Late Junction/Musicity/Flomotion Radio).
Inkling was recorded at various venues across Bristol, capturing live performances as 3D sound images which enable the listener to hear each instrument’s position, mimicking the audible experience as a live audience member. For the first time Spindle Ensemble worked with guest musicians expanding their sound to an orchestral scale, featuring string, woodwind, brass and percussion sections.
Listeners may hear influences from composers such as Satie, Pärt, Ravel, Reich, Glass and Zappa’s favourite composer Varèse in their music but might also find the soundtracks of Morricone and the minimalist aesthetics of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra nestled alongside the more experimental leanings of groups such as Rachel’s, Esmerine, Bell Orchestre and Amiina.
“Effervescent music-making” “rich and evocative” BBC Music Magazine
“Compelling” “Intriguing” The Guardian
“Sumptuous, broad ranging and beautiful.”Joyzine
“Simply excellent” Chilly Gonzales
“Superbly composed and adroitly performed.”Louder Than War
“Pushing at neo-classical boundaries with sparkling aplomb” Electronic Sound
LIVE IN TORONTO
In November 2022 Spindle Ensemble travelled to Toronto, Canada to take part in a special collaboration with the legendary Evergreen Club Contemporary Gamelan Ensemble. The two groups composed a set of new music combining their distinct timbres and styles which was performed as a one-off concert in Toronto. The ‘Live in Toronto’ release features two live performances from the concert composed by different members; Harriet Riley’s Orpheus, Open Fifths: Gardens by ECCG’s Andrew Timar and a studio recording from their downtown Toronto rehearsal space of Lucid Living written by Daniel Inzani from SE. Released as a digital EP by Hidden Notes Records in 2023, accompanied by a E’mei Heibaoshan Green Tea by Black Cloud Tea company.
Available via Bandcamp and Black Cloud Tea
FRACTALS
Spindle Ensemble made a collaborative set of recordings with composer Tess Tyler entitled ‘Fractals’, released by Manners McDade on 9th September 2022. The ensemble were presented with a set of Tess’s graphic scores which they interpreted live at a recording session at St George’s concert hall, Bristol. The two singles ’Sell the Sky’ and ‘7ero’ were premiered on Hannah Peel’s Night Tracks (BBC radio 3) and Stuart Maconie’s Freak Zone respectively (BBC radio 6).
Available via Bandcamp
BEA
Their debut album BEA was released as a luxury gatefold vinyl edition on Adderwell Music in Nov 2017. It was recorded at Grand Chapel Studios and named after cellist Jo Silverston’s newly born daughter to mark the birth of the band.
‘BEA is one of those rare studio albums that makes the listener feel as if they’re actually present at a concert, watching musicians who are truly absorbed in live performance. This is cinematic music of a high calibre, executed with eloquent musicianship. Pensive, and at times melancholy, the style is evocative of such diverse composers such as Eric Satie, Arvo Pärt or Thomas Newman. Elements of classical composition, jazz harmony and folk sensibilities combine with worldly influences from Ethiopia and the Far East. This is captivating music.’
★ ★ ★ ★ Songlines Magazine
Photo by Paul Blakemore
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