Ian William Craig - Cradle for the Wanting (2015)

Cradle for the Wanting is the anticipated second album by vocalist Ian William Craig. It was recorded in the winter of 2014/15 in Vancouver, Canada, after the release of his acclaimed A Turn of Breath LP; which Ben Ratliff of the New York Times named one of his top 10 albums of 2014. Since A Turn of Breath‘s release, Ian has performed rare but much talked-about shows in the United States and Canada.

Comprised of eight silken movements, Cradle for the Wanting is set aside from A Turn of Breath in that it was recorded in the span of a few months, as opposed to several years. This smaller count of production time tethers the pieces together, as multiple elements of a single entity.

Here, voice is the only source laid to tape. Ian excels in inventing lush arrangements through this simplicity in instrumentation. The works rise and collapse in series, as Ian’s distinct repeating tape system comes into play. From the shivering hiss of “Glassblower”; to the deep curling hymn of “Habit Worn…”, large and small wings are explored. Ian crafts an aural home in this album; one can glide through its halls for days without blinking back to the modern age. The palace is at ease.