Esbe's intriguing walk through Venice on ‘La Serenissima’

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Venice is tied to the pull of the moon, its architecture specifically built on the principles of light with magnificent medieval mastery. 'La Serenissima', as Venice was called in the 17th century, has inspired artists, architects, writers and composers. Producer and vocalist Esbe has captured the tranquil majesty, mystery and magic of the city on her new album, 'La Serenissima', taking the listener on an intriguing walk through Venice's narrow streets, canals, iconic bridges and palaces at day and into the night.

'La Serenissma', Esbe's ninth studio album, was inspired by a recent visit to this gloriously historic city and follows her critically acclaimed 2023 release, 'Blow The Wind Southerly', which featured a cappella multi-tracked vocal arrangements of well-known songs from the folk and medieval canon. Returning to orchestral and soundscape production, this collection of songs and instrumental compositions presents an eclectic and varied album.

As Venice is one of the cradles of Italian opera, it seems fitting that Esbe opens the album with a reinterpretation of Giulio Caccini's classic love song 'Amarilli, Mia Bella' taken from the 1602 'Le nuove musiche'. After graduating from London's Royal Academy of Music, this was included in Esbe's concert repertoire performed with her 'Lorca Guitar Duo'.

The title track 'La Serenissima' showcases Esbe's versatility as both producer and exemplary vocalist, its lilting gentle waltz reminiscent of masked balls in times past. Imagining the Venetian painter, Canaletto, her lyrics reflect the sadness in his eyes as he senses the future sea waters rising due to climate change, a theme Esbe has referred to in previous releases.

'Te Amo', a love song with lyrics in Latin conjures up the theatricality of religious ceremony while the full and filmic orchestral scoring of the penultimate track 'Palazzo' has passionate lyrics in Turkish. Esbe's stately and fluid use of vocal echo on the album is reminiscent of the sparkling reflection of light and sound on Venice's imposing buildings. As with all Esbe's production, a variety of moods and textures are employed to complement each song. And so, in contrast to the richer arrangements, she accompanies 'Little Echo' with the starlit twinkle of a Wurlitzer electric piano, and overlays her beautifully toned classical guitar on the instrumental track 'Footsteps'. Both tracks imagine the empty canal reverberations of Venice at night. There is more use of the guitar on the splendid 'Victory', portraying a medieval army returning from battle, and 'Death In Venice', which evokes an ancient lament for its fallen leader.

As Esbe says, "Previous albums have been inspired by far away exotic places – and times – but we have such riches of wonderful historic memories much closer to home. It's easy to imagine the footsteps of velvet-clad tradesmen pattering along the canal edges, or Portia from Shakespeare's 'Merchant Of Venice' practicing her final speech looking into the inky waters from the Rialto Bridge. My world and the music it inspires. I don't have to travel for days or centuries, although this voyage was both near and far."

As well as vocal multi-tracking, sampled electronica and instrumental orchestration, Esbe has made imaginative use of interesting samples from the natural world. 'Shadow', is underpinned by the recording of a murky bubbling sea which beckons to the towering Renaissance walls as the dusk light fades, creating long shadows.

Esbe's eclectic and varied musical production also features medieval harmonies, as on the closing track 'La Serenissima Remembered', plus a mournful bassoon melody and arching piano chords reminiscent of one of her favourite composers Stravinsky on the instrumental 'Interlude'. Alongside her classical education, Esbe also references contemporary musical styles from around the world and vintage pop grooves. 'La Serenissima' takes the listener on an intriguing journey to a time when Venice was at its most serene and splendid and releases through New Cat Music on the 5th April, 2024.

Tracks 'La Serenissima' / Esbe:
Total playing time: 37:08

1 Amarilli, Mia Bella 3.38
2 La Serenissima 4.52
3 Te Amo 3:38
4 Little Echo 2.19
5 Footsteps 3:00
6 Victory Pageant 2:56
7 Death In Venice 2.58
8 Shadow 3.35
9 Interlude 1.57
10 Palazzo 6.03
11 La Serenissima Remembered 2:12

Album Information
Artist: Esbe
Album: La Serenissima
Label: New Cat Music #NC241
Languages: English, Italian, Latin, Turkish
Genres: Ambient, Global Music, Contemporary Classical, Songs and Instrumentals
Single #1 'Footsteps' Feb 02 2024
Single #2 'La Serenissima' March 01 2024:
Release Date: Album 'La Serenissima' release: April 5
Esbe Online - Website: www.esbemusic.uk

Album Production
Composed and Produced by Esbe
Mastered by Paul Chivers and Trevor Lancaster-Smith
Cover photo by John Sells, design by Esbe

Released by New Cat Music and Cadiz Distribution
Media: Angie Lemon PR: angielemonpr@gmail.com

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