“The familiar prelude to the G major Cello Suite sounding so, so right. Thomas gives the closing Gigue an irresistible swing and finds rare depth and expression in the Allemande. There’s similar magic in Suite No. 3, Bach’s slow Sarabande heart stopping, the double and triple stopping immaculate. You hope he’ll go off and record the remaining four. A multi tracked Thomas completes the album with three Fantasias for Two Viols by Orlando Gibbons, these beautiful, spare works played with elegance and warmth. Absolutely enchanting – do investigate.” – The Arts Desk

Buy or listen to ‘JS Banjo’ from Bandcamp here

Released May 12, 2020

Fred Thomas – tenor banjo

Recorded in St. Mary’s Church, Friston, 2018
Engineered by Phelan Burgoyne
Mixed and Mastered by Alex Bonney
Produced by Fred Thomas

01 Cello Suite No.1 in G Major, BWV 1007 – J.S. Bach
02 Fantasia No. 5 for Two Viols – Orlando Gibbons
03 Fantasia No. 4 for Two Viols – Orlando Gibbons
04 Fantasia No. 1 for Two Viols – Orlando Gibbons
05 Cello Suite No.3 in C Major, BWV 1009 – J.S. Bach