Having previously recorded under the Sleepingdog moniker, Dutch-born Chantal Acda re-emerges as herself in a process that can be likened to stepping from behind a veil. The result is an album that is simple, sparse and emotionally open with minimal instrumentation accompanying her fragile yet compelling voice.
Realising this wasn’t entirely the work of Acda alone: the input of German pianist and producer Nils Frahm and multi-instrumentalist Peter Broderick, not to mention Gyda Valtysdottir of Múm and Shahzad Ismaily, who play intuitively together to create a perfect backdrop to her vocal shouldn’t be underestimated.
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But then what solo work is entirely solo? If anything, the subtle and delicate musicianship has encouraged Acda to flourish through self-exploration. Athat exploration has yielded somethig special: ‘Let Your Hands Be My Guide’ is quiet yet dynamic, understated yet powerful, and above all, a thing of beauty.
Chantal Acda Online
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