Sebastian Plano: Solo

Unaccompanied non-classical cello albums are relatively rare, primarily because the cello is traditionally a supporting ensemble instrument. Although rooted in contemporary classical language, Sebastian Plano embraces a more exploratory approach, enhancing his compositions with moments of intuition and improvisation, which may be of interest for listeners looking for something away from the jazz mainstream.

The Argentinian cellist, composer and Grammy-nominated artist wrote and recorded Solo over a two- year period. It is his first album devoted entirely to unaccompanied cello. While some of his earlier releases incorporated electronic elements, Solo is exactly as its title suggests: no embellishments or multi-tracking, just the single musician and a single instrument.

Born into a family of musicians, Plano began playing the cello at the age of seven and composing music at twelve. His classical foundation earned him scholarships to the United World College of the Adriatic, the Boston Conservatory and the San Francisco Conservatory. His compositions have frequently appeared in film scores and video game soundtracks.

The album comprises 15 tracks, many of them concise musical vignettes inspired by Plano's travels across Argentina, the United States and Europe. Throughout, he exploits the cello's depth, warmth and expressive power to evoke feelings of melancholy, reflection and longing.

"In The Beginning" provides an introduction to Plano's soundscape, which often sees him contrasting the higher registers with slower-bowed, deeper notes. This contrast broadens and deepens the warm sound. Plano also uses the friction of the bow against the string to texture the sound.

"Night Lights" is a short but delightful highlight as Plano's light and precise touch brings out the melody. In a similar vein, the plaintive "Falling" sees fast-moving motifs build an enveloping melancholy texture. Often described as the instrument closest to the human voice, the cello seems almost to weep in "Returning Home."

Solo is an elegant and melodic collection. Plano evokes sadness, nostalgia and longing as he builds a warm, enveloping sonic world. More than a display of technical skill, the album captures the intimate dialogue between musician and instrument. As Plano explains, "Recording music for a solo instrument is like watching yourself in the mirror. You can't hide anywhere. It's just me and the cello, and that exposes everything."