Out soon on More Is More Records, Ars Ludicra captures the boundary-pushing ensemble in a moment of transformation—recorded at the iconic Van Gelder Studios.
Trumpeter, composer, and sonic architect Peter Evans returns with his group Being & Becoming for a bold new chapter in their ongoing evolution. Their upcoming album, Ars Ludicra, is set to release via More Is More Records, and the lead single “Images” offers a glimpse into the record’s wide-ranging and genre-defying scope.
Recorded in 2024 at the legendary Van Gelder Studios in New Jersey, Ars Ludicra showcases the group in peak creative form—capturing the explosive energy and refined artistry forged during a stretch of heavy touring and collaborative growth.
The lineup features:
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Peter Evans – trumpets, piano, electronics
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Joel Ross – vibraphone, synth
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Nick Jozwiak – bass, synth
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Michael Shekwoaga Ode – drums
Together, they’ve built something uniquely fluid—at once virtuosic, structured, and wildly exploratory.
Between 2023 and 2024, Being & Becoming completed two European tours and a West Coast U.S. run, with standout performances at Zebulon (Los Angeles), Jazz em Agosto (Lisbon), Winter Jazz Fest, and Public Records (NYC).
Sonically, Ars Ludicra marks a significant shift from the ensemble’s 2022 release, Ars Memoria. The new record expands even further into stylistic hybridization, blending:
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Stadium-sized dynamics
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Textures from musique concrète
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Orchestral colors rooted in Brazilian influences
Meticulous post-production by engineer Mike Pride enhances the album’s sculpted intensity and depth. Yet for all its complexity, the music retains a compelling sense of play and immediacy—a hallmark of Being & Becoming’s live identity.
Each musician brings a strikingly personal voice to the project. Whether navigating intricate composed sections or erupting into free improvisation, the ensemble functions as both a tightly woven unit and a platform for fearless expression.
“Ars Ludicra” is a major leap forward—rooted in continuity but unafraid to reimagine itself.
And the evolution continues. In 2025, the group added Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist Dr. Tyshawn Sorey on drums. This lineup has already made major appearances at U.S. and European festivals, setting the stage for more extensive touring into 2026 and beyond.
Formed in 2017, Being & Becoming has become Peter Evans’ primary creative vehicle. The group synthesizes a vast array of musical languages—from modern classical to free jazz, electroacoustic textures to global traditions. Their debut, Being & Becoming (2020), and Ars Memoria (2022) laid the foundation for this thrilling new era.
With Ars Ludicra, they’re not just pushing boundaries—they’re redrawing the map.
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