Inner Voice Asja Valčić

• 1 Home Island 05:10
• 2 Macadam Road 04:59
• 3 Balkan Rush 04:24
• 4 Free Spirits 05:49
• 5 Tango 03:14
• 6 Love Story 06:25
• 7 Runaway 02:45
• 8 Inner Voice 05:39
• Total Runtime 38:25

Info for Inner Voice

An ode to the cello: An artist's solo album is always a rite of passage. Sometimes it marks the beginning of their creative endeavor. Sometimes it's a way to move in a new direction, an opportunity to discover another voice. Or, as in the case of Asja Valčić, the consolidation of their individual artistic vision.

Valčić's solo cello album is the logical next step on a path of excellent musicianship and mastery.

Having left behind an admirable career in classical music to develop as an improvising musician, Ms. Valčić has become a household name both as a performer and composer in Austria, her adopted home, and beyond. One only has to look at the list of musical collaborations to understand that this is no ordinary cellist, but a seasoned musician who knows her craft and can bring that certain something to the table.

Her new album, aptly titled "Inner Voice," is an ode to the cello. Unlike other solo works by improvising artists, Asja Valčić eschews gimmicks and loops, exploring the natural sonic possibilities of her instrument with her impeccable technique. There are moments of driving passion, such as in the flamenco-inspired "Love Story," but also beautiful moments of fragility, such as the whistled harmony theme of "Free Spirits."

The soft, velvety timbre that most people associate with the cello is present throughout, but the more mischievous and raw, groove-based aspect of the instrument is also given due attention. Ms. Valčić's virtuosity is well utilized throughout, but it never takes center stage for its own sake; instead, it serves the music and the story it wants to tell. The album begins in the fiery Balkan landscapes, on a "macadam road," an idea of ​​home moving forward toward freedom, love, and the peace of finding an "inner voice." There's a beautiful balance between groove-driven passages, lyrical melodies, and the use of sonic spaces. This is an album that portrays an artist who has found herself, a voice that doesn't need or want to hide from anyone or anything; and a listening experience all the more wonderful for that! (Emily Stewart)

Asja Valčić, cello
Guests:
Klaus Paier, accordion, bandoneon
Wolfgang Puschnig, alto saxophone, flute
Sebastian Schneider, piano