Along with Phillips, Cello features a talented crew of musicians that includes Bikram Ghosh (tabla), Shelley Phillips (oboe, harp, and English horn), Chris Caswell (percussion), Todd Phillips (bass), Shira Kammen (vielle, violin), Lars Johannesson (flute), Neal Hellman (mountain dulcimer), Theo Page (violin), and Martin Simpson (guitar).

Phillips’ previous recordings include Gourd’s Shaker Trilogy (co-produced with William Coulter): Simple Gifts, Tree of Life, and Music on the Mountain. He also composed and produced The World Turned Upside Down in 1990, which was featured in the PBS production of Ken Burns’ Thomas Jefferson.

Introducing Cello, the second solo recording by longtime Gourd cellist and producer Barry Phillips.

Cello’s expansive soundscape features traditional and contemporary cello solos, duos, and trios gleaned from traditions around the globe and from eight centuries of music. The 15 tracks present instrumentation and arrangements of melodies from Western and Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and North America.

Phillips has recently been touring with and arranging for sitar legend Ravi Shankar. This influence is heard on his new recording as Phillips blends the sounds of harmonium, tabla and tanpura with traditional Celtic tunes and instrumentation.

Have a listen: One minute download time

1. Bràigh Loch Iall - Scotland trad.
2. Aoibhneas Éilís Ní Cheallaigh - Ireland trad.
3. Lochaber No More - Scotland trad.
4 Old Heddon Of Fawsley - Morris tune/England
5. O Ho The Pretty Chain - Shaker trad.
6. Gycklarpolskan av Peter Erson - Peter Erson/Sweden
7. Cantiga de Santa María #206 - Spain/13th cent.
8. Trotto England/14th cent
9. Caoineadh an Spailpín - Ireland trad.
10. I Love to See the Wheels in Motion - Shaker trad
11. Shto Mi E Milo - Macedonia trad.
12. Ladom Se, Goro Zalade Bulgarian trad.
13. Polska efter Pelle Fors - Sweden trad.
14. Thugamar Féin an Samhradh Linn - Ireland trad.
15. Inis Oírr - Thomas P. Welsh/Ireland