It’s been some time since we’ve received a long player from Si Tew. The word ‘Quietude’ knows no time, though. It conveys a sense of calm or tranquillity in a person or place. So please, keep this in mind when listening to Si Tew’s brand new and eagerly-awaited album on Atjazz Record Company which bears the name ‘Quietude’.
Quietude is a magnificently mindful, far-reaching, and eclectic collection of music. Incidentally, Si Tew is the artist’s real name. The point is that this musician’s genuine nature shines throughout. Straight away, Quietude immerses its listeners, captivating them like the intro to a high-budget movie, with each successive piece of music forming an aural scene. Tracks echo ambient, downbeat, through to deep house, with elements passing knowing winks to influences as far and wide as Bonobo, Lapalux, Fourtet, Floating Points, Ludovico Einaudi, and Max Cooper.
Quietude opens with Revere. Layers of cello from Harry Robinson set the tone, rendering the listener oblivious to the ensuing 4×4 beat. Lean on My Frequency features Sarai Jazz: an aspiring singer heard on the same label accompanying Atjazz, who is, incidentally, the other half of Si Tew’s sideline project, Mistworks. Greg Rawson is responsible for the outstanding percussion. Sarai wistfully and powerfully sings of a pained heart, determined to wait for the ‘right thing’.
Particle re-asserts the melancholic frame, closely followed by the pumping, syncopated groove of Roshinaya. Painting immersive textures, we hear breathtaking breakdowns and then buildups that are as powerful as the cities paid subtle homage to, which may well include New York and Chicago.
A restrained yet mesmeric downbeat tune, Droplet, is closely followed by Logos: another wondrous deep house tune. UIHIA switches down a gear, contributing a generous serving of soul, with vocals courtesy of Georgia Copeland. The catchy hook of An Apology and the ‘breaks’ of Bouricau usher us towards the close of this incredible album. Turbine delivers us home, leaving us with warm memories of its beautiful hooks and addictive orchestral riff.
“I spent considerable time living in Venezuela, writing music almost every day”.
explained Si Tew
“Most of the album originates from this era of my life”.
he added
Sounds were recorded whilst upon tabletop mountains, deep within jungles, and even amidst the furore of a real-life social uprising! These moments can all be heard somewhere within Quietude. The album artwork features an image of Galipan, just outside Caracas: a location where Si Tew spent many a weekend in what he’d describe as “a happy place” and one he’d love to share with you in Quietude.
Quietude is available on Atjazz Record Company through all leading music sites.
Stream / Download: https://orcd.co/arc200adpre
