Collines/Racines

MUSIC: Rarely has the term “soundscapes” seemed more appropriate than for “Collines” and “Racines”, two long, spellbinding pieces for cello and Loopstation, inspired respectively by the landscapes of Gaume (extreme southeast of Belgium) and the Forêt de Soignes (the Sonian Forest, at the southeastern edge of Brussels). In these compositions, Gwen Sainte-Rose superimposes the sound strata and sculpts her sound matter.

OBJECT: This CD is housed in a wooden case which, like a small cabinet of curiosities, also contains multiple photographic inserts by Beata Szparagowska and graphic designer Corentine Jaunard, as well as small objects (feather, pebble, leaf, moss, etc.) gleaned from nature by the musician and her acolytes.

BIO: “Sainte-Rose” is the name of a town in Guadeloupe, a colony that remained French. It's also the name given to Gwen by her Martinican father. From childhood, Gwen was surrounded by two musical cultures and a singular, rich family background. From a modest, working-class background, her family encouraged her to learn the cello as a child.

credits : 

Gwen Sainte-Rose : composition, cello, loops

Recorded and mixed by Ludo Engels at fieldworks (Brussels, 2019 & 2024)

Mastered by Fred Alstadt at Angtröm Mastering (fall 2024)

Photos by Beata Szparagowska (Lanzarote, winter 2024 & Sweden, summer 2024)

Graphic Design by Corentine Jaunard (Brussels, fall 2024)

license

all rights reserved

released January 15, 2025