Simonne Draper, a composer and guitarist, is back with "Finesca II," a beautiful follow-up to her original piece, "Finesca." Draper and producer Jon Kennedy work together to create a modern piece that feels both personal and vast. It is a careful study of rhythm, restraint, and resonance.
Draper herself plays the classical guitar in "Finesca II," which is inspired by the instrument's warmth and accuracy. But this is not a typical piece for a recital. Instead, the piece moves at a slow, planned pace, giving the space a chance to be as expressive as the notes themselves. Draper's guitar playing has a quiet authority that comes from her classical training, while also allowing for subtle experimentation. Her voice doesn't come in as a strong force, instead, it adds texture, like another instrument in the soundscape. They float, mix, and fade away, adding emotional depth without making the piece's structure too busy.
Kennedy's work gives us a more polished modern frame. He is known for his modern style, and he adds subtle sound design elements that never take away from the acoustic core. Instead, the production adds depth to the piece, making it feel carefully sculpted rather than layered, creating an immersive listening experience. The balance of "Finesca II" is what makes it interesting. It respects the rules of classical performance while also taking advantage of modern production techniques. There is a gentle rhythm underneath the surface, space is treated as an active participant, and structure guides the listener without limiting them.
Simonne Draper doesn't just go back to an old idea with "Finesca II," she improves it, makes it more complex, and imagines what it could be. The result is a modern piece of music that feels thoughtful, confident, and quietly powerful. This shows how well the artist and producer worked together creatively.