09/04/2006 VIV WALKER AGED 10 AND ½

THE RISE OF THE CELLORETTES - CUMBRIA TOUR

FIRST HALF

Very good but different (good) strange and complicated rhythms,
Excellent tune 10/10

SECOND HALF

Amazing, it sounded like the sea (with boats). The electric cello was like nothing I have ever heard before! The ultra violet light was a good effect. Good drumming and things like that from behind. A nice variety of instruments and lots of ways of playing them.
11/10
Well done!

08/04/2006 K T Cumberland and Westmorland Herald

CELLORHYTHMICS - RISE OF THE CELLORETTES - CUMBRIA TOUR
Skirwith Hall resounded to the exciting sounds and rhythms of Cellorhythmics. The The performance was dramatically presented starting with some very contemporary sounds reminiscent of the Estonian-born German composer Arvo Part. The music flowed on with verve and energy and built up into bold rhythms which had the feet tapping and audience clapping.

The group of five musicians from London was formed by the virtuoso classical cellist Alfia Nakipbekova and jazz cellist and composer James Hesford, who also played banjo and violin in cello mode. Playing with them were two other cellists and a percussionist using a variety of interesting instruments.

In his unassuming manner, James gave a minimum of explanation, but the music spoke for itself as we heard influences of rhythms and sounds from around the world played with such energy to create a fusion of rich textures, encompassing experimental and discordant strands, pieces often ending on an unexpected note.

The audience loved it and demanded more. The final piece ended with the percussionist coming off the stage playing the berimbau, a fascinating Brazillian instrument shaped like a longbow with a very resonant sound.

The was Cellorhythmics first visit to Cumbria – playing at Sedbergh and Hallbankgate as well – the events being part of the Highlights Rural Touring program which brings professional music and theatre to rural areas. KT

01/01/2001 Robert Wyatt - Meltdown Festival 2001

"Cellorhythmics brings the cello into the twenty first century"

01/01/2001 Charlie Gillett - BBC Radio

"intense and joyous"