Craig Fortnam, Laurent Valéro

A side project from North Sea Radio Orchestra members. A new duo with explosive creativity and an extraordinary musical level that explores the boundaries between Renaissance, classical, medieval, folk, and contemporary music. As usual for Craig Fortnam, best known as the mastermind behind the North Sea Radio Orchestra, and Laurent Valero, also a member of the ensemble on the occasion of the critically acclaimed tribute to the music of Robert Wyatt, Folly Bololey, issued by Dark Companion in 2019, and collaborator of John Greaves on many recordings and live performances. 

Recorded in England and Italy at the legendary Elfo Studios, where the album has also been mastered by Alberto Callegari himself, Empty Vessels hosts another protagonist of the Wyatt adventure, the vocalist Annie Barbazza, who masterfully sang with her haunting voice on two wonderful songs. The hurdy- gurdy is performed by James Larcombe and gives a special medieval feel to some amazing tunes. 

The music is truly fantastic: offering a unique blend of genres and styles, as has now become a trademark of the brilliant English composer, it is always intriguing . Something that recalls Elizabethan folk and medieval music combined with contemporary songwriting makes this debut something truly unique and memorable.