The launch of “Lady Sings the Viol” at The Independent, North Sydney
This enchanting disc was produced with the intention of creating a diverse and unpredictable listening experience, and it certainly has succeeded in doing just that! As the first Australian ensemble to attempt performing the complete 500+ viola da gamba works of Baroque composer Marin Marais (1656-1728), The Marais Project typically enjoys performing the ornately elaborate music of the French Baroque period. Lady Sings the Viol is their fourth commercial CD release and features charming arrangements of a number of popular “covers” which explore the organic fusion of the viola da gamba and the human voice with a refreshingly modern approach. The eclectic program features unexpectedly light-hearted works such as Chattanooga Choo Choo – a delightful interlude between much loved classics by Schubert and contemporary Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin, as well as songs made famous by Edith Piaf and Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones. I highly recommend Lady Sings the Viol to all listeners; it is a unique treasure not to be overlooked as it provides an insight into the vast capabilities of early instruments.
Review by Jasmine Miller, “Stringendo”, Volume 35, number 2, October 2013