John Greaves truly needs no introduction: composer, pianist, bassist, and singer. He returns with a new album for Dark Companion. As the title suggests, these are songs with a subtle vein of melancholy, performed with his long-time collaborator Laurent Valero on viola and the brilliant young violinist Mirabelle Gilis, while the former Henry Cow member sings and plays piano.
The tracks unfold between new compositions and pieces co-written with Peter Blegvad, as well as settings of texts by beloved poets such as Apollinaire. Greaves’ unmistakable musical voice moves with elegance and restraint, balancing chamber-like intimacy with lyrical depth.
The result is a delicate, immediate, and deeply expressive album, where each piece feels carefully shaped yet naturally flowing. It is further enhanced by an evocative cover that perfectly reflects its atmosphere.
Max Marchini
