Since their formation in Bristol in 2016 Spindle Ensemble led by composer and pianist Daniel Inzani (Yola, Alabaster dePlume, Tezeta) also featuring tuned percussionist Harriet Riley (Charles Hazlewood’s Paraorchestra, Bristol Symphony Orchestra), cellist Jo Silverston (Mesadorm) and violinist Caelia Lunniss (Edward Penfold) have garnered much praise for their innovative take on contemporary classical music, rooted in spontaneity and improvisation performed with deft musicianship and unique instrumental pairing all resulting in truly captivating sonic soundscapes.
Live performances are often accompanied by stunning visuals from various visual artists. The quartet are equally at home performing in concert halls such as the Union Chapel, the Southbank Centre, Bristol Beacon, St Georges Bristol and festivals including Shambala and Hidden Notes to churches, art centres, record shops and independent venues across the UK they continue to bring their music to a diverse and ever growing audience.
Their critically acclaimed second album ‘Inkling’ was released in May 2021 on vinyl, CD and digital download by Hidden Notes Records (founded by Hidden Notesfestival). It was a top selling modern classical album that year on bandcamp and was listed in the top 10 contemporary albums of 2021 by The Guardian.
The release was accompanied by 3 stunning music videos created by directors/animators: Okemah Sundown (Marie Lechevallier), Caligo (Narna Hue) and Chase (Fred Reed). The vinyl version comes with a special 12 page booklet which includes liner notes written by celebrated DJ and Broadcaster Nick Luscombe (BBC3’s Late Junction/Musicity/Flomotion Radio).
Inkling was recorded at various venues across Bristol, capturing live performances as 3D sound images which enable the listener to hear each instrument’s position, mimicking the audible experience as a live audience member. For the first time Spindle Ensemble worked with guest musicians expanding their sound to an orchestral scale, featuring string, woodwind, brass and percussion sections.
Listeners may hear influences from composers such as Satie, Pärt, Ravel, Reich, Glass and Zappa’s favourite composer Varèse in their music but might also find the soundtracks of Morricone and the minimalist aesthetics of the Penguin Cafe Orchestra nestled alongside the more experimental leanings of groups such as Rachel’s, Esmerine, Bell Orchestre and Amiina.
“Effervescent music-making” “rich and evocative” BBC Music Magazine
“Compelling” “Intriguing” The Guardian
“Sumptuous, broad ranging and beautiful.”Joyzine
“Simply excellent” Chilly Gonzales
“Superbly composed and adroitly performed.”Louder Than War
“Pushing at neo-classical boundaries with sparkling aplomb” Electronic Sound