Releasing April 11, 2025 on Pyroclastic Records – A Boundary-Defying Double Album
Innovative composer and saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock returns with an ambitious and groundbreaking project, Purposing The Air, set for release on April 11, 2025, via Pyroclastic Records. This double album, inspired by the poetry of Erica Hunt, explores the intimate connection between language and sound through a collection of 60 brief but evocative koans. Laubrock’s creative genius shines as she curates four vocal-instrumental duos that breathe life into Hunt’s words, each pairing offering a unique interpretation of the poet’s poignant themes.
A Unique Collaboration Between Music and Poetry
Purposing The Air features Laubrock’s deep engagement with the voice, following her earlier work Contemporary Chaos Practices (2018), which blended orchestra and choir. However, this project marks a more intimate approach, blending her distinctive saxophone compositions with the powerful poetry of Erica Hunt. The centerpiece of the album is Hunt’s “Mood Librarian – a poem in koan,” a thought-provoking work made up of short, often cryptic lines that evoke a vast spectrum of emotions and moods.
Laubrock’s decision to work with living poets stems from her dedication to contemporary compositions. After meeting Hunt at a mutual friend’s home, Laubrock felt an immediate connection and decided to set Hunt’s words to music, forging a new path that integrated poetry with her expansive musical style.
The Duos: Masterful Pairings of Voice and Instrument
The album showcases the versatility of Laubrock’s compositions, brought to life by four exceptional duos, each carefully chosen for their chemistry and ability to bring the poems to life:
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Fay Victor and Mariel Roberts – A new pairing of vocalist Fay Victor and cellist Mariel Roberts, whose collaboration brings a fresh depth to the compositions.
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Sara Serpa and Matt Mitchell – The dynamic duo of vocalist Sara Serpa and pianist Matt Mitchell, whose intimate musical rapport highlights the emotional nuances of the koans.
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Theo Bleckmann and Ben Monder – Veteran collaborators Theo Bleckmann (vocals) and Ben Monder (guitar), whose extensive history together creates a seamless, sophisticated interplay.
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Rachel Calloway and Ari Streisfeld (Duo Cortona) – Mezzo-soprano Rachel Calloway and violinist Ari Streisfeld, known for their intricate performances as Duo Cortona, bring an unmistakable intimacy to the project.
Each duo interprets a unique selection of Hunt’s poetic fragments, allowing Laubrock’s compositions to breathe through a variety of voices and instrumental textures. By tailoring each koan to the distinct sound of the duo, Laubrock explores the intricate balance between structure and improvisation, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary music.
Laubrock’s Approach: A Fusion of Emotion and Innovation
As an experimental saxophonist and composer, Ingrid Laubrock has long been celebrated for her boundary-pushing musical explorations. Known for her work with luminaries such as Anthony Braxton, Muhal Richard Abrams, Jason Moran, and Myra Melford, Laubrock’s approach to Purposing The Air marks a new phase in her career. Writing for duos without the opportunity to direct the music from the inside was a unique challenge, as Laubrock explains: “You have to be more concise in what you write and construct. Writing for these duos was all about trying to find ways of letting two musicians interact and figuring out the possibilities of their instruments while still allowing my personal creativity to shine through.”
The title Purposing The Air is drawn from the lyric of the penultimate piece, performed by Duo Cortona: “birds purpose the air / as you purpose / pen and paper.” This metaphor suggests the delicate process of composition—transforming written notes into vibrations that resonate in the air, carrying meaning and emotion. Laubrock imagines the album as a space where Hunt’s poems float freely, with just enough space between each piece to allow for reflection before the next poetic moment arrives.
A Deep Dive into Poetic Music
Laubrock’s mastery lies in how she balances compositional rigor with the freedom of improvisation, giving each duo the space to infuse their personal style into the pieces while remaining true to the emotional core of Hunt’s work. The 60 koans, each a brief yet profound exploration of human experience, are as elusive and specific as the music that accompanies them, creating a powerful emotional resonance for the listener.
As Laubrock explains, “The texts of the poem are open and concise, often cryptic, but still poignant and relatable. Some I connected with immediately and viscerally, while others were more like evocative images or fun impressions. They really lend themselves to the song form in my mind.”
Ingrid Laubrock: A Visionary of Contemporary Music
Ingrid Laubrock’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of jazz and contemporary composition has earned her accolades from some of the most respected voices in the music world. Described by The New Yorker as a “fully committed saxophonist and visionary,” Laubrock has spent years creating innovative, genre-defying works. Purposing The Air is another testament to her unique ability to combine complex soundscapes with deeply human emotion, making it an album that resonates across multiple musical and cultural realms.
Pre-Order Purposing The Air Today
Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind musical journey through the evocative poetry of Erica Hunt, curated and composed by Ingrid Laubrock. Purposing The Air is available for pre-order now and will be released on April 11, 2025. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary jazz, experimental music, or poetry, this album is sure to leave a lasting impact.
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