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Andrew Cronshaw with Tigran Aleksanyan
@ Pizza On The Park
17 August 2006
Click an image to enlarge.
Andrew Cronshaw biography
Zither-master, multi-instrumentalist, composer and journalist
Andrew Cronshaw is a regular face ‘and hands’ on the
world music scene. In the past decade he has worked with artists
such as Natacha Atlas, Ute Lemper, B.J. Cole, Scott Walker and Pascal
Gaigne. Cronshaw has contributed to the film soundtrack of Trevor
Jones’ ‘GI Jane’ and appeared in Jonathon Demme’s
film The ‘Truth About Charlie’. He has produced albums
by the four-piece band Salamakannel, and singer songwriter Nikolai
Blad.
Cronshaw writes reviews and features for magazines, in particular
fRoots world music publication.
Having such a busy schedule, and so many projects up his sleeve
has not hindered Cronshaw in the development of his own recordings.
His most recent album “Ochre” was nominated for Album
Of The Year in the 2005 BBC Radio 3 Awards for World Music. Cronshaw
was also nominated for Musician Of The Year in the 2005 BBC Radio
2 Folk Awards. Cronshaw continues to explore the use of
non-standard instruments, collaborate, and play at international,
as well as local festivals.
Tigran Aleksanyan biography
London based Armenian duduk player Tigran Aleksanyan is becoming
a regular participant on the World Music Circuit. His duduk, or
the haunting sound of his double-clarinet the yarghu can be heard
on the album “Sprinting Gazelle” by Reem Kelani.
Review
“Oh dear… I look like a mad professor!”
Andrew Cronshaw’s reaction to one of his more expressive photographs.
With much stage and studio recording experience behind him, Andrew
Cronshaw seems to have become a master of the understated. This
is not a criticism… the expression ‘less is more’
is certainly relevant in Cronshaw’s case.
Cronshaw’s approachable, laid back manner is evident on,
and off the stage. He takes time to communicate with his audience
both verbally, and through his natural airy compositions. In fact
Cronshaw’s gentle, but precise movement on the Zither, combined
with Tigran Aleksanyan’s sweet, haunting duduk was enough
to send one city gent to sleep. Again, this is not a criticism;
on the contrary, the Cronshaw / Aleksanyan soothing set was a welcome
tonic after a hectic day. The only missing elements were scented
candles, aromatherapy oils and soothing hand to massage the brow.
Cronshaw may resemble “a mad professor”, but whichever
instrument he chooses to play, he plays like an angel.
Musicians:
Andrew Cronshaw - zither, Tigran Alexsanyan - duduk
Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio Ltd.
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