Francis Cofone & Markus Reuter - 2025 - The Solina Record

(41:00; Iapetus)

On May 23rd, 2025, Frankie Cofone went to Berlin to record his second ambient guitar album at the Hansa Studios with Markus Reuter acting as producer. When they had finished there was still an hour of studio time left, at which point Markus spotted a vintage ARP Solina String Ensemble and he asked the engineer to patch it in. Markus and Frankie started playing together, with the result being this album. There has been very little done to the recording since that night when two musicians just sat and created something special, and the result is New Age, Ambient, and simply beautiful.  

Markus uses the synthesizer to create a wonderful, lush backdrop for Francis to play against, both following the other’s lead as to what needs to come next, being transported by the music as they go on a journey which is enthralling, enlightening, and incredibly buoyant. There is a steely strength within the fragility, as while there is a gossamer lightness there is also the feeling of structure and power, and although one understands it is being created in an improvised environment it also has the tendrils of something more rooted and rehearsed. Tangerine Dream is the first name which comes to mind, and it is definitely far removed from what I normally expect when I see Markus’s name on an album, as here he is mostly providing the room for Francis to spread his wings and take the lead.

This album is a delight from beginning to end, with Iapetus Media showing yet again that they are one of the most consistent labels around when it comes to releasing music which is breaking down barriers of expectation. 

Kev Rowland, February 2026

Links:
https://franciscofone.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/iapetusstore