SHOLTO Vinilo y CD

Review: London-based producer Sholto (Oscar Robertson) teams up with Melbourne pianist Finn Rees for two collaborative pieces recorded in a short session at SFJ Studios. 'Love In Memory' and 'Bluebell' were laid down over consecutive days using analogue equipment, including mellotron, Wurlitzer and ribbon mics and mixed through a 70s Studer desk. The result is a measured blend of jazz-inflected composition and cinematic texture, leaning into the soft-focus feel of Italian film scores and 70s library music. 'Love In Memory' is the more stripped-back of the two, built around glissando keys and lightly arranged strings while 'Bluebell' adds bass from Matthew Hayes and develops in longer arcs, with warmer low-end and more defined structure. Both tracks avoid excess, favouring tone and pacing over virtuosity. String parts from Clementine Brown further the record's focus on texture rather than drama. The collaboration doesn't aim to be definitive but lands confidently as a quiet, well-formed experiment between two artists working with a shared vocabulary.

Review: Oscar 'Sholto' Robertson's album Letting Go of Forever prides itself on being an expansive musical journey, building on the momentum of his critically acclaimed EP 'The Changing Tides Of Dreams'. This 26-track double LP reflects Sholto's rich influences, from Mozart's dramatic 'Lacrimosa' to David Axelrod's eclectic productions. The album's initial tracks, including the evocative 'For The Love Of Stripes' and the atmospheric 'Ligurian Storm', are a signature blend of orchestral and instrumental artistry. 'For The Love Of Stripes' features lush strings and choral elements, interwoven with flutes and percussion to create a nostalgic, dreamy vibe. The track is inspired by the concept of stripes as both a visual divider and a symbol of individuality, which Sholto translates into a stunning musical narrative. 'Ligurian Storm' tells the story of a stormy journey through Italy, combining harp, vibraphone, and synths to evoke the beauty and drama of nature's transformation. Drawing comparisons to the Cinematic Orchestra and Surprise Chef, Sholto's work merges the soulful warmth of jazz and the experimental spirit of 60s and 70s soundtracks. This album should resonate with emotional depth and cinematic flair for anyone who listens.