A World of Lullabies

The effectiveness of melody is a key feature of Milan-based guitarist Val Bonetti’s new album, which comes off the back of his book, also released this year, Traditional Lullabies for Fingerstyle Guitar. Here he demonstrates his jazz and blues roots and blends them with world music for a quietly diverse and dynamic set. The transition from the guitar and kora-led ‘Ayo Nèe Ne’ to the guitar and cracking double bass of ‘Se Essa Rua Fosse Minha’ is quite magical, but Bonetti is careful to only allow the music to enhance the simplicity of the lullaby’s tune, without muddying it. The pacing too is deliberately almost soporific in places, with touches like the percussion on ‘Gonjeskh Lala’ bringing colour and spice to the songs. ‘Dandini Dandini Dastana’ is another highlight, with the guitar playing a light melody, while a host of picked stringed instruments from around the world add delicate texture and balance.

This is wonderfully light and bright music that is incredibly easy to enjoy. Naturally, being inspired by children’s music, some pieces, like ‘Duerme Negrito’, veer towards the twee, but it’s churlish to criticise music for nailing its objective, especially with it all so impeccably played and well cared for.