"Julie Campiche's Sonic Vision: A Celebration of Sisterhood and Environmental Urgency"
Swiss harpist Julie Campiche has long been a name on the avant-jazz radar, but her latest album, "Unspoken", is an unmissable milestone. This stripped-back, unaccompanied record is a testament to Campiche's visionary talent, weaving together a rich tapestry of sound that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
At its core, "Unspoken" is a celebration of sisterhood – a tribute to the women who have inspired Campiche throughout her life. The opening track, "Anonymous", sets the tone with a haunting Virginia Woolf quote, repeated by a chorus of women's voices in different languages, creating a sense of urgency and collective power.
Campiche's harp playing is mesmerizing, conjuring up images of footsteps clicking on pavements, as in "Grisélidis Réal", a track dedicated to the Swiss artist who took her life to every precipice. The song is a poignant tribute to a woman who refused to be silenced, her physical and mental struggles reflected in the gentle yet insistent harp lines.
"Rosa" is another standout track, its lilting melody a tribute to the weary resolve of migrant workers. Campiche's breath control is remarkable here, using her in- and out-breaths as the rhythm pattern, creating an hypnotic sense of movement.
Throughout "Unspoken", Campiche demonstrates a remarkable range and versatility, conjuring up sounds that are both jazzy and classical, ambient and rock-influenced. This is not an album for those expecting traditional jazz; rather, it's a bold exploration of sound and vision, one that rewards close listening and attention.
One of the most striking aspects of "Unspoken" is its sense of urgency – a feeling that Campiche is channeling her music into something greater than herself, something that speaks to our collective environmental and social crises. It's a call to arms, a celebration of resistance and resilience in the face of adversity.
As such, "Unspoken" is an album that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the need to express themselves through music or art. It's a testament to Campiche's vision as a musician and composer, one that continues to evolve and deepen even as she pushes the boundaries of what is possible. This is not just an album – it's a movement.
Swiss harpist Julie Campiche has long been a name on the avant-jazz radar, but her latest album, "Unspoken", is an unmissable milestone. This stripped-back, unaccompanied record is a testament to Campiche's visionary talent, weaving together a rich tapestry of sound that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
At its core, "Unspoken" is a celebration of sisterhood – a tribute to the women who have inspired Campiche throughout her life. The opening track, "Anonymous", sets the tone with a haunting Virginia Woolf quote, repeated by a chorus of women's voices in different languages, creating a sense of urgency and collective power.
Campiche's harp playing is mesmerizing, conjuring up images of footsteps clicking on pavements, as in "Grisélidis Réal", a track dedicated to the Swiss artist who took her life to every precipice. The song is a poignant tribute to a woman who refused to be silenced, her physical and mental struggles reflected in the gentle yet insistent harp lines.
"Rosa" is another standout track, its lilting melody a tribute to the weary resolve of migrant workers. Campiche's breath control is remarkable here, using her in- and out-breaths as the rhythm pattern, creating an hypnotic sense of movement.
Throughout "Unspoken", Campiche demonstrates a remarkable range and versatility, conjuring up sounds that are both jazzy and classical, ambient and rock-influenced. This is not an album for those expecting traditional jazz; rather, it's a bold exploration of sound and vision, one that rewards close listening and attention.
One of the most striking aspects of "Unspoken" is its sense of urgency – a feeling that Campiche is channeling her music into something greater than herself, something that speaks to our collective environmental and social crises. It's a call to arms, a celebration of resistance and resilience in the face of adversity.
As such, "Unspoken" is an album that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the need to express themselves through music or art. It's a testament to Campiche's vision as a musician and composer, one that continues to evolve and deepen even as she pushes the boundaries of what is possible. This is not just an album – it's a movement.