Bianco Brackenbury

About a year ago I handed Tony a CD of Saint Hildegard von Bingen's spiritual songs to listen to, and the next thing I know he has played an entire hour long drum track alongside the recording, in one sitting- and that it was so right. The sounds of his rolling-thunder-in-the-distance drumming and the ethereal monophonic vocal lines perfectly complimented, and my inspiration to try singing some, then add violin/viola layers with pedals and improvise, was ignited. In learning some of these beautiful Latin songs I have found a crossover with Coltrane, and the modal music that he was exploring, and which gives great scope for improvising. I also continue to learn more about this remarkable 12th century abbess, who was the first German mystic, a prophet, herbalist, political moralist, poet, artist, author and composer. I find her life and works very inspiring. - Faith Brackenbury