“Poppy Ackroyd can conjure whole worlds of sound out of the barest essentials” – Stereogum
“On par with neo-classical giants Nils Frahm, Max Richter and Hauschka” – MOJO
Acclaimed composer and pianist Poppy Ackroyd is set to release her personal new single, ‘Notes on Water’, a collaborative project with her late father, the renowned artist Norman Ackroyd. It combines their two artistic disciplines and will be released on March 26th via One Little Independent Records.
‘Notes on Water’ is an evocative piece, composed by Poppy for her father in his final months. The track is energising and lively, with constantly changing sections representing the fluidity of the ocean as well as the vitality and lust for life that Norman Ackroyd so fully embraced, both in his day-to-day and in his work. Poppy initially wrote a more minimal version before expanding it using other sounds from the piano, a technique she has become known for - incorporating percussive elements from the wooden and cast-iron frame, plucked strings, and muted notes. The release includes the solo piano version as well as Norman’s etching - his last artistic endeavour in a career spanning over a thousand pieces - completed before his passing in September last year. More than just a union of craft, this partnership is a tribute to a lifetime of shared experiences and creative admiration.
The inspiration for ‘Notes on Water’ comes from Norman's annual work trips, during which Poppy would accompany her father on expeditions to uninhabited islands, watching as he captured their wild beauty through his art. These journeys, often undertaken on small fishing boats, provided the foundation for this project, a reflection of their deep connection to the natural world.
Poppy explains; “‘Notes on Water’ is our first collaboration, an effort to capture moments we have spent together traveling around the British Isles, both on land and at sea. Our journeys have taken us to Orkney and Cape Wrath, as well as more remote destinations like the Skellig Islands and the Outer Hebrides - the most memorable trips were to the Flannan Isles and North Rona - traversing both turbulent oceans and glassy seas. Although we worked in different mediums, we both expressed ourselves through a collection of black ink marks on paper. This project is a celebration of our love for nature and the landscape, for the sea and its birds, but most importantly, for each other.”
The project represents a unique synthesis of their work, bound by a shared artistic language. Norman Ackroyd, a prolific etcher and painter, was renowned for his depictions of British landscapes, produced with what The Guardian’s Peter Gillman called “breathtaking technical mastery.” Working through his sickness to stay focussed and active, he remained fully engaged in the project until his final days.
Although Norman had previously worked on her album covers, ‘Sketches’, ‘Pause’, and ‘Resolve’, as well as contributing artwork for Hidden Orchestra, the project founded by Poppy’s partner Joe Acheson, ‘Notes on Water’ stands apart as their first true artistic collaboration. It also serves as a deeply meaningful parting gift. By coincidence, the single’s release also coincides his birthday.
In tribute to his legacy, proceeds from the release will go toward the Norman Ackroyd Foundation, which Poppy now oversees as a trustee. The foundation will continue to support printmaking and the arts.
Reflecting on the project, Poppy concludes; “This is the best way I could say ‘I love you’, speaking his language, through our work, which is where we always met. He was so thrilled to do this piece. Even at 86, he was young at heart, still exploring new things. It’s a celebration of his passion, our shared experiences, and the unspoken bond we had through art and music.”
A limited edition 10” release is available featuring a 16-page score booklet, a limited number of which also include a signed original etching by Norman Ackroyd.
Art credit: Norman Ackroyd
Photo credit: Jesse Williams
Music credits
Written, recorded, produced and mixed by Poppy Ackroyd
Mastering by Matouš Godík
Music transcribed by Poppy Ackroyd
Edited and engraved by Sam Lung at Pretty Decent Music
Layout and design by Ruth Keating
Tracklist
- Notes on Water
- Notes on Water (Solo Piano)
| 
No comments:
Post a Comment