Drummer and composer Matt Slocum returns with A Revolving Alliance, a striking new release arriving worldwide on June 19, 2026 via Sunnyside Records. Available digitally and as an all-analog 180g LP, the album pairs Slocum with rising guitarist Emmanuel Michael and legendary bassist Larry Grenadier in a deeply intuitive trio setting that balances spontaneity with emotional depth.
Following the acclaim of Lion Dance (2024), Slocum’s latest project leans fully into original compositions, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience. The chemistry between the trio is palpable, with six of the seven tracks captured in first takes—preserving a raw, unfiltered energy that mirrors the immediacy of live performance. Despite the controlled environment of the studio, the session unfolded with a sense of unpredictability that brought out unexpected creative instincts from all three musicians.
This marks Grenadier’s fourth collaboration with Slocum, their musical connection continuing to evolve across varied ensemble formats. At the same time, A Revolving Alliance introduces a fresh dynamic through Emmanuel Michael, whose forward-thinking approach adds new dimension to the trio’s sound. The interplay between generations results in a fluid, conversational musical language that feels both grounded and exploratory.
Conceptually, the album expands on themes Slocum has explored in earlier works, including reflections on societal tension, hope, and the cyclical nature of change. While his 2021 release With Love and Sadness focused more directly on systemic issues in America, this project takes a broader, more abstract view—grappling with uncertainty while holding onto the possibility of renewal and compassion.
Each composition contributes to a larger narrative arc. The title track unfolds from a winding bass line that shifts through complex meters, while pieces like “Yerazel” evoke a dreamlike sense of innocence and mystery. “A Disappearing Path” begins to reveal the album’s central themes, and “Solstice” offers a reflective look back at brighter moments. The closing track, “A Dissolving Alliance,” brings the journey to a poignant conclusion.
The album’s sonic character is equally deliberate. Produced by Jerome Sabbagh and recorded live to two-track analog tape by James Farber at Sear Sound, the project avoids edits or post-production fixes, emphasizing authenticity and musical interaction. During mastering, Bernie Grundman preserved the integrity of the recording by bypassing equalization entirely, resulting in a remarkably pure and dynamic sound.
Slocum’s artistic voice has been shaped by the legacy of jazz greats like Max Roach, Philly Joe Jones, and Roy Haynes—influences he has distilled into a distinct and personal style over years of performing and recording. With eight previous albums as a bandleader, he continues to carve out a path defined by individuality, creative risk, and a commitment to meaningful musical expression.
A Revolving Alliance stands as a testament to Slocum’s evolving vision—music that is introspective yet expansive, technically intricate yet emotionally direct, and above all, rooted in genuine artistic connection.
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