Brian Wolf and Tony Nozero are back; after a long recording hiatus the legendary Austin duo hit the studio with some friends adding percussion, flute, and guitar. While the lineup has expanded, the avant garde irreverence and focal point is in full effect. Triumph’s cover immediately reveals the posture; power to the people in this challenging time. Live samples weave in and out of rhythmic chants as the tuba marks the time with layers of swooping melody painting the scene. Triumph continues to intrigue and delight us, at once reminiscent of an old art film and a futuristic landscape. While the complexity might seem daunting, Triumph is suprisingly accessible.
2018 Countdown | E Scott Lindner
Putting the Gritty in Infinity Gritty, label head Adam Ahuja cued up the second full length album from E Scott Lindner in September. Composed, recorded, mixed, and mastered in three days, Port Of Dreams is an adventure into a self-described style dubbed ‘Orchestral Psych’, featuring a string quartet, woodwinds, piano, drums, bass, synths, and more. Gathering in groups at Lindner’s Pinch Recording studio, ideas were conveyed, arrangements were developed on the spot, and recorded to two track. By the end of day three the album was complete, a spontaneous and collaborative creative endeavor that influenced all of the musicians in a powerful way simply by the challenge of making it.
2018 Countdown | dred scott
The album is titled Dred Scott Rides Alone, and it is an accurate statement. Written during an artist residency at the Ucross foundation in rural Wyoming, dred returned to the studio and played all the instruments - drums, bass, and piano. The songs are reflective, comfortably lonely, and reminiscent of the pastoral West. The album marks an interesting change in scott’s style, as he settles into a downright positive mindset throughout. There is something indescribable in dred scott’s touch; just like hearing a trumpeter’s breath, you can feel the humanity in his fingertips and fully understand that the piano is simply an extension of his expression. We are thankful for this exquisite nod to humanity, finding comfort and hope with each listen.
2018 Countdown | Jonathan Scales Fourchestra
We’ve been on the Jonathan Scales tip for some time now, and we have witnessed his truly remarkable ascendence in the music world. While he’s not the only one who has been a pioneer of the steel pan in a Jazz context, Jonathan persistently brings diverse and complex compositions to life while connecting with some of the top musicians of the day. His new album, Pillar, brings his path into full focus as he is joined by fierce young guns MonoNeon, Mason Guidry, and E’Lon Jordan Dunlap as well as seasoned greats Victor Wootten, Oteil Burbridge, Shaun Martin, Weedie Braimah, Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah, Jeff Coffin, and his hero Bela Fleck. The presence of these great musicians speaks volumes about the man and his music. This is history in the making, all brought together by a vision, a mission, and a whole lot of hard work. Dig in here for the podcast that explains it all.