ask the river (album) (2019)

ask the river is Portman’s first album release as composer and performer. The 13 tracks relate to her inspirations and thoughts about the natural world and the environment. She is joined on certain tracks by Clio Gould Violin and Caroline Dale ‘cello

I wrote this collection of pieces throughout 2019. They are the fruit of many years spent being immersed in nature. What can be more inspiring than the green shoots of new beech leaves appearing in the woods with the dappling light reflected in the spring breeze?

These pieces are a personal reflection on the beauty of the earth around us — the trees, flora, rivers, birds, animals and all her gifts to us. I hope you enjoy exploring them as much as I loved being inspired by the natural world. – Rachel Portman