It speaks volumes that the metal community has so readily embraced a cellist into their world. However, Jo Quail is no ordinary cellist. She uses loops of percussive rhythms and orchestration to produce ever increasing layers, giving her tracks an organic feel as they grow into complex, emotive pieces. There is no pretentiousness, just passion, integrity and no small amount of talent which is perhaps why she has been welcomed by metal heads for whom such elements are integral.

Tonight’s show was originally scheduled to be a limited capacity, socially distanced gig which was also being streamed. Of course the live element fell through due to current restrictions, but the live stream element went ahead. Being held at London’s Black heart, Jo took to the stage in what looked like a black box with a light cable artistically draped around the central area with a lone cello. She welcomed the virtual crowd and explained that she doesn’t usually speak at the start of a show but given the exceptional circumstances she took a few minutes to give a welcome and to explain that the show was a celebratory concert for her ‘Five Incantations’ album. This was originally recorded in 2015, but has now been remastered and re-released on vinyl with an extra track. Jo explained that she would be playing this album for the live stream while also explaining that it is based around the five cardinal energies, namely earth, air, fire, water and spirit.

The show began with ‘White Salt Stag’ which explores the element of earth, and of course is the first track on ‘Five Incantations’. The track began with a percussive rhythm being tapped out on the cello and then looped. This gave the track an organic feel as the overlaid melody began to build and became hypnotic in its power. The track slowly built in intensity to a dramatic finale and really was a stunning start to the evening.

‘The Breathing Hand’ followed, getting a first live outing since 2016. The sombre melody was almost soothing, and if you closed your eyes it carried you away on its light subtle dynamics. There is a danger that this kind of thing could be dull, but here there is a hard to define quality that instead made it completely mesmerising.

Jo took a few minutes to chat with the crowd and to introduce ‘Salamander’ explaining that the track has developed a lot since it was first written and recorded. She explained that it is about fire and the fact that fire must consume to exist. It begins with a finger plucked melody which was looped, and then augmented with a rhythm tapped out on the cello and added to the loop.

The track had a robust feel to it, with the looped rhythms chugging along with dancing melodies sitting atop, conjuring images of the dancing flames that gave inspiration for the track.

As it progressed there became a more droning feel and in my head it conjured up images of a dying fire with an almost despondent feeling before an abrupt end. There was more chatting and introduction of the next two tracks ‘Between Two Waves’ and ‘Gold’, reflecting water and spirit reflectively, which would be bolted together into one piece.

An ambient, tranquil intro led into the track with a sound like a howling wind as the stage lights flickered akin to light shimmering off water. The sound was cavernous, but in a good way and it is incredible how one performer can produce such an effect. As the track progressed, the atmosphere became a little more ethereal, before it evolved into a more lively piece which was completely captivating.

This led straight into the final track ‘Gold’ which will be familiar to anyone who has seen Jo play live. Its opening heart beat rhythm was matched by pulsating lights. Relatively subtle melodies hooked you in before the track built into a majestic masterpiece. All too quickly the show was over and an emotional Jo thanked the crew and those watching before leaving the stage and the stream ending. This was a triumphant live stream and a fitting celebration of the wonderful ‘Five Incantations’.

(Andy Pountney 9/10)