Charlie Cunningham: frame, human and honest offering

DAY

He has more than half a billion plays on platforms, will deliver his 500th concert shortly and has been the head of poster of London's iconic Queen Elizabeth Hall in her native UK. Charlie Cunningham returns with Frame, a third opus combining sweetness, melancholy and optimism.

It is on stage that the music of Charlie Cunningham exposes all its depth. That's good, because he will be giving shows in Quebec and Montreal, in the company of three musician friends heard on the album, on October 20 and 21. 

This is news that the Quebec admirers of the British singer-songwriter since his last show on Quebec soil, in July last year, as part of the Montreal International Jazz Festival. 

“Something really special happened that night,” says the man who has just released his third album, Frame. I love Canada and especially Montreal. The people are nice, they are real music fans and there is a bohemian atmosphere à la Rufus Wainwright which I like (laughs). » 

Composed during the pandemic, Frame comprises 12 pieces representing a beautiful evolution in sound and text writing from the 39-year-old artist. 

“The pandemic and confinement have given rise to this inner, reserved and delicate side of Frame, explains the artist. I felt an artistic responsibility to try to capture this very strange moment.”

Tsunami of emotions

Writing about the tsunami of emotions who blew it away – even making it into an album – was very therapeutic for the musician, despite his dyslexia which made it nearly impossible for him to read music. Being able to spend time in front of his piano too.

“I am the most self-critical person”, adds the musician who already accumulates the “lovely” comments on the first extracts of Frame offered. “I never think about that when I create, about the reception that my music will have and fortunately elsewhere. Still, it's always reassuring to see that people like my music.” 

The Frameis on all platforms.