It’s been a while since we’ve had a new Cantoma long-player. Since 2020’s Into Daylight we’ve been teased with some terrific singles, but it does feel reassuring to have a full, fresh Cantoma set. See In The Sun has a real reunion vibe and this, perhaps, is a result of all the old friends involved. Many of the 20+ singers and players have been part of Cantoma’s success in the past (1).

Half of the album was created with long-term collaborator, Robin Twelvetree, who’s had a hand in Cantoma productions since he helped Phil remix Cirque Du Soleil back in 2003. According to Phil, “Robin’s great. Really outgoing, gregarious. Always out, making connections. Through Robin I’ve met loads of incredible musicians (2).”

The opening number, Summer Rain, features the vocals of Andre Espeut and the guitar of Sebastian Lilja. Sebastian played on the Cantoma albums Out Of Town and Just Landed. Andre can be heard softly scatting alongside Gizelle Smith, on the 2020 track, Another Place. Gizelle also now takes a more prominent role, fronting the new song Dancing. It was Faze Action’s Robin Lee who introduced both singers to Phil. Robin’s no stranger to Cantoma either. In 2010 he added to cello to the track, Trees Of Highwood. Here he provides keys. 

Luna Asteri sings lead on Estralaro and When I Call You, in Spanish and English respectively. Luna previously graced Solando and Closer, from the album, Into Daylight. Patrick Dawes (Groove Armada, Herbalizer, Paqua) appeared on a trio of Just Landed tracks – Abando, Clear Coast, and Talva Lumi – and on the new record he plays percussion throughout. 

To The Sea’s accordion comes care of another Cantoma veteran Tara Creme, who’s been there since 2003’s Etiole E.P. Quinn Lamont Luke co-wrote the 2013 Cantoma classic Alive!, and his handiwork now turns Shelter into an understated anthem (3).

Dramatic, cinematic Flamenco flourishes and flashbacks to intoxicating city lights. Dubwise Frontera Del Ensueño echoes and washes, and cheerful chamber music motifs. For those familiar with Cantoma’s sound there’s nothing radical on the new album, but why would you want there to be? Way back at the start of the millennium, Cantoma kinda set the template for sophisticated chillout tunes. Phil having soundtracked countless White Isle sunsets, at San Antonino’s Cafe del Mar, under the tutelage of his close compadre and mentor, Jose Padilla (4). So if anyone knows how to make this music, it’s Mr. Mison.

Cantoma’s super See In The Sun can be ordered directly from Highwood Recordings. 

NOTES

(1) Cantoma newcomers on the album include Elvin Ferreria (guitar), Yumiko Kai (vocals), Fortuna Pase (flute), Rodrigo Sha (flute), Lynn Sharp (oboe), Joao Silva (violin), and Auden Waage (trumpet).
(2) The remainder of the LP was produced with Justin Drake. It was Diesel, from house duo X-Press 2, who introduced Phil to the talented engineer. Another person who, behind the scenes, proved to be important was producer Richard Adlam, who connected Phil with accomplished violinist Marianne Haynes and the in-demand brass section, Triple Horns.
(3) I hadn’t listened to “Shelter” since it was released as a single in 2021. I’d forgotten what a damn fine, feel good song it is. I had the honour of writing the press release for “See In The Sun” and I made my notes while travelling from Tokyo to home on a shinkansen. Trips to the city are tricky for me both time-wise and emotionally these days. Full of past memories, anxieties about the future, and accepting change. When I whacked  the files on my Walkman, I’ll be honest and say I was tired and far from my most positive. I didn’t think I was in anywhere near the right frame of mind to give Phil’s record a fair crack. However, by the end of the album I felt like I’d received a big reassuring hug, and my spirits were significantly lifted.
(4) “Auto Verde” takes its title from Jose’s green Citroen 2CV, and pays tribute to the times he and Phil drove from his home down toward the Cafe del Mar. The start of nights full of adventure and possibility, and good music of course. The track was nearly called “At The Top Of The Hill Looking Out To Sea”. The title quickly dismissed for being too PCO.