Peter Evans' Being & Becoming Shares New Single “Images” from Upcoming Album Ars Ludicra

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:

• Peter Evans – trumpets, piano, electronics

• Joel Ross – vibraphone, synth

• Nick Jozwiak – bass, synth

• 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:

• Stadium-sized dynamics

• Textures from musique concrète

• 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.

Christopher McBride Charts a Bold New Chapter with The Hang, The Hustle, The Path

Out October 3rd, the saxophonist’s third studio album is a deeply personal, genre-blending journey—and he’s hitting four major cities with The Whole Proof to bring it to life.

Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader Christopher McBride is back with a powerful new project, The Hang, The Hustle, The Path—a vibrant and deeply personal album dropping October 3 via CR McBride Music. As the first installment of a planned trilogy, the release dives headfirst into McBride’s life story through a sonic tapestry of bebop, gospel, R&B, Latin, hip-hop, and more.

To celebrate the release, McBride and his band, The Whole Proof, are taking the show on the road with performances in Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and New York City.

Recorded in just three days at a Brooklyn studio, the album opens with “Welcome (#AllDay),” where McBride introduces his bandmates—Jon Thomas (piano), Barry Stephenson (bass), and Michael Piolet (drums)—before leading listeners through a tracklist that reflects the people, places, and pivotal moments that have shaped his life.

Each track on The Hang, The Hustle, The Path carries emotional weight and musical significance:

• “Opportunity Lost” races with frenetic bebop energy, expressing the tension of missed life moments.

• “CHI to NY” bridges McBride’s hometown and adopted city with a head-bobbing hip-hop swing he wrote while driving a U-Haul during his move.

• “Punta Cana” offers a breezy, Latin-infused reprieve, born from a rare moment of musical silence while vacationing.

• “A Downpour of Beauty”, a smooth, romantic ballad featuring vocalist Charles Turner, is McBride’s first lyrical composition—dedicated to his fiancée, Chantel.

• “Jeanette” is a tender tribute to an aunt he met only briefly before her passing.

• “Seven (The Human Cost)” delivers a haunting meditation inspired by a chilling fact from the National Museum of African American History and Culture—that enslaved people’s bodies typically broke down after just seven years of forced labor.

The album isn’t afraid to have fun either. “Funky Good Señor Blues” captures a backyard party vibe, while “Saxophone at Night” delivers a danceable swing groove—check out the line-dance-ready video here.

Meanwhile, “The #BAM Continuum (for NP)” brings in DJ Skaz Digga to blend hip-hop and jazz in real time, showcasing McBride’s seamless genre fluidity and his ongoing work with The Jazz Continuum.

McBride explains the album’s title as a reflection of life’s connections, transformations, and divergences.

“You bond with people through the hang and the hustle—but the path we walk isn’t always the same,” he says. “This album is a reflection of my journey—where I’ve been, what I’ve seen, and where I hope to go.”

That path has taken McBride from Chicago to New York City, from church stages to international jazz festivals, and through collaborations with legends like Roy Hargrove, Talib Kweli, Solange, and Jennifer Hudson. His last album, Ramon, earned critical acclaim and climbed into the JazzWeek Top 25.

Tour Dates

Catch McBride and The Whole Proof live this October:

• Chicago: Jazz Showcase, Oct 2–5

• Los Angeles: Sam First, Oct 9

• Atlanta: Eddie’s Attic, Oct 12

• New York City: Red Rooster, Oct 14

Beyond performing, McBride wears many hats. He’s been Director of Education at Second Line Arts Collective in New Orleans, a teaching artist with Jazz at Lincoln Center, and Music Director for The Jazz Continuum and The Soapbox Presents: The Stoop Sessions in Harlem.

As a composer, he was the 2022 Make Jazz Fellow at 18th Street Arts Center in Santa Monica—a role that further solidified his voice as one of the most versatile and fearless artists in contemporary jazz.

Track Listing:

1. Welcome (#AllDay)

2. Opportunity Lost (feat. Josh Evans)

3. CHI to NY (feat. Wayne Tucker)

4. Punta Cana

5. A Downpour of Beauty (Ceta’s Song) (feat. Charles Turner & Marcus Machado)

6. Funky Good Señor Blues (feat. Josh Evans)

7. You Are My Joy

8. Seven (The Human Cost) (feat. Josh Evans)

9. Saxophone at Night

10. Jeanette

11. Kiss of Life (feat. J. Hoard)

12. The #BAM Continuum (for NP) (feat. DJ Skaz Digga)

13. The Hang, The Hustle, The Path

The Hang, The Hustle, The Path isn’t just an album—it’s an invitation into Christopher McBride’s world. Honest, bold, and genre-fluid, it’s a jazz record with both deep roots and adventurous branches. Whether you're a longtime listener or new to his music, this project marks a pivotal chapter in an artist carving his own lane with integrity, creativity, and soul.

Shirley Bassey – As I Love You: The Complete Shirley Bassey 1956 to 1962 (5CD Set)

Before her iconic performance of Goldfinger turned her into an international sensation, Shirley Bassey had already built a remarkable legacy of recordings—bold, emotive, and bursting with vocal charisma. As I Love You: The Complete Shirley Bassey 1956 to 1962 is an essential 5CD collection that chronicles those formative years, compiling rare albums, singles, and EP tracks that showcase Bassey’s dazzling versatility long before her James Bond fame.

Released by French label Frémeaux & Associés, this meticulously curated box set features a massive 108 tracks, drawn from her earliest recordings through her rise to stardom. Fans and collectors alike will discover her full stylistic range—from sultry torch songs and swing standards to dramatic ballads and blues numbers. The arrangements, helmed by legendary British orchestrators Geoff Love and Wally Stott, frame her voice with lush, cinematic flair.

The collection includes selections from her early albums such as Born to Sing the Blues, The Bewitching Shirley Bassey, The Fabulous Shirley Bassey, Showboat, At The Café de Paris, Shirley, and Let's Face The Music. Lesser-known singles and live recordings round out the set, making it a definitive archive of Bassey’s pre-Goldfinger era. Each disc captures a different facet of her artistry—from moody nightclub ballads like “Stormy Weather” and “Blues in the Night,” to exuberant performances of “Let’s Face the Music and Dance” and “As I Love You,” which became her first UK #1 hit in 1959.

Among the many highlights are her sultry renditions of “Burn My Candle,” “My Funny Valentine,” “Cry Me a River,” and “If You Love Me.” There are also powerful takes on Broadway and film standards like “Bill,” “Can't Help Lovin’ Dat Man,” and “Where or When.” The later tracks show her expanding emotional range, particularly on “What Now My Love” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” foreshadowing the grandeur that would define her global career.

This beautifully packaged set includes comprehensive liner notes in both English and French, written by Olivier Julien, providing context and commentary on each era of Bassey’s early work. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to her discography, As I Love You is a rare chance to explore the formative years of one of the 20th century’s greatest vocalists.

This 5CD set is a remarkable value for collectors and casual listeners alike. It’s a fitting tribute to the artistry of Shirley Bassey and a reminder of her powerful contribution to vocal jazz, pop, and show music before she became a global icon.

Track Highlights Include:

• “As I Love You”

• “Born to Sing the Blues”

• “Cry Me a River”

• “My Funny Valentine”

• “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”

• “Blues in the Night”

• “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”

• “Where Are You”

• “Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man”

• “Climb Ev’ry Mountain”

Dame Shirley Bassey, born in 1937 in Cardiff, Wales, is one of Britain’s most celebrated vocalists, renowned for her commanding voice, theatrical presence, and decades-long recording career. Of Nigerian and English descent, she rose from working-class roots to international fame, becoming the first Welsh artist to score a UK number one single.

Her breakout hit came with “As I Love You” in 1959, and she achieved worldwide recognition with the title track for the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, followed by Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker. Known for her dynamic vocal range and glamorous persona, Bassey has performed for royalty and at Olympic ceremonies, earning countless accolades including a DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire).

While her Bond themes and 1970s recordings are iconic, her early years—captured in this new box set—reveal a raw, jazz-tinged elegance and emotional depth that laid the foundation for a career that spans over seven decades.

Peter Campbell Releases Haunted Melody: A Lush, Introspective Vocal Jazz Journey

American-Canadian vocalist and producer Peter Campbell returns with Haunted Melody, a deeply personal and musically rich album that blends jazz, Latin influences, and traditional pop aesthetics. Co-arranged with renowned guitarist Reg Schwager, the album follows Campbell’s critically acclaimed Old Flames Never Die, which was named one of JazzTimes’ Top 40 Albums of 2020.

Haunted Melody brings together an impressive roster of Canadian jazz talent, alongside American tenor saxophonist Joel Frahm and Portuguese composer-producer Ernesto Leite. While the album’s musical textures are sophisticated and worldly, the emotional core is intimate: the project’s release follows the passing of Campbell’s parents in 2024, the end of a long-term relationship, and his return to Canada after living in Portugal.

The music on Haunted Melody took root during the isolation of the pandemic, becoming a sonic reflection of personal loss, love, and rediscovery. At its heart, it is a remembrance—of a relationship, of family, and of time spent in Portugal, where Campbell immersed himself in Brazilian music and Lusophone culture. This exploration is reflected in the inclusion of three compositions by Brazilian composers and a rhythmic and harmonic language that nods to Latin America and Southern Europe.

While Campbell’s style has often been described as “Traditional Pop,” his interpretation of the genre stretches to include jazz balladry, French chanson, bossa nova, and cinematic orchestration. The result is a fluid, emotionally resonant album that pays tribute to memory and melody in equal measure.

Haunted Melody features arrangements and instrumental work by some of Canada’s finest: trumpeter Kevin Turcotte, flutist Bill McBirnie, pianist Adrean Farrugia, bassist Ross MacIntyre, and percussionist Alan Hetherington. Guitar textures come from Reg Schwager and Michael Occhipinti, who also contributes Puerto Rican cuatro, mandolin, and electric guitar on various tracks. Subtle orchestral and percussion programming by Ernesto Leite and drum programming from John ‘Beetle’ Bailey add depth to the album’s sonic palette, blending the organic with the electronic in understated ways.

With Haunted Melody, Peter Campbell continues to affirm his place as a modern interpreter of vocal jazz—one who honors tradition while carving a personal and stylistically adventurous path.

Release Date: Friday, September 12, 2025
Website: www.petercampbellmusic.com

Featured Musicians on Haunted Melody:

• Peter Campbell – Vocals

• Kevin Turcotte – Trumpet, Flugelhorn

• Bill McBirnie – Flute, Alto Flute

• Joel Frahm – Tenor Saxophone

• Adrean Farrugia – Piano, Fender Rhodes

• Reg Schwager – Archtop and Nylon String Guitar

• Michael Occhipinti – Electric Guitar, Cuatro Puertorriqueño (Track 5), Mandolin (Track 7)

• Ross MacIntyre – Bass

• Ethan Ardelli – Drums

• Alan Hetherington – Percussion

• Ernesto Leite – Orchestral Programming & Percussion Programming (Track 10)

• John ‘Beetle’ Bailey – Drum Programming (Track 6)

David Occhipinti Releases Camera Lucida: A Brilliant Fusion of Jazz and Chamber Music

Canadian guitarist and composer David Occhipinti returns with Camera Lucida, a genre-defying new album that brings together jazz improvisation and contemporary chamber music. Featuring eight original compositions, the recording highlights Occhipinti’s innovative writing and lyrical guitar playing, supported by an ensemble of some of Canada’s most distinguished classical and jazz musicians.

From the first moments of Ice Dance, where clarinetist Virginia MacDonald delivers a fiery, expressive performance, it's clear that Camera Lucida is a work of artistic depth. On Promised Kiss, the introspective marimba of Michael Davidson and a graceful solo by violinist Aline Homzy create a reflective, romantic mood. Homzy appears again on Octavia, this time in an intimate duet with Occhipinti. Bassoonist Fraser Jackson of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra also brings his rich, woody tone to Octavia, blending beautifully with the ensemble.

The album isn’t without playfulness. Playtime explores sound design through whistling, radio static, and wind effects performed on clarinet—an abstract and experimental piece that reveals Occhipinti’s curiosity and imagination. Southwark features the full ensemble in a collective improvisation, merging classical textures with the spontaneity of jazz. Throughout the recording, bassist Dan Fortin anchors the music with taste and inventiveness, enhancing the group's dynamic range. On Promised Kiss, Andy Ballantyne adds a sparkling piccolo part, while Max Christie—a member of the National Ballet of Canada orchestra—delivers nuanced performances on both clarinet and bass clarinet.

Camera Lucida follows Occhipinti’s acclaimed 2012 Camera Ensemble release, which was praised by legendary guitarist Jim Hall, who described it as: “An absolute gem… his writing is unique, his playing is completely original and stunning… an absolute work of art!” That earlier project laid the foundation for Occhipinti’s ongoing exploration of blending composed chamber music with improvisational jazz.

With several Juno nominations to his name, David Occhipinti continues to push boundaries. In addition to Camera Lucida, he has a new recording with his String Trio slated for release in 2026.

Visit: www.davidocchipinti.com

Featured Musicians on Camera Lucida:

• David Occhipinti – Guitar

• Aline Homzy – Violin

• Virginia MacDonald – Clarinet (featured on Track 1: Ice Dance)

• Michael Davidson – Vibraphone, Marimba

• Dan Fortin – Double Bass

• Max Christie – Clarinet, Bass Clarinet

• Fraser Jackson – Bassoon (featured on Track 7: Octavia)

• Andy Ballantyne – Piccolo (featured on Track 5: Promised Kiss)

JJJJJerome Ellis Announces New Album Vesper Sparrow – A Groundbreaking Exploration of Stuttering, Blackness, and Sacred Sound

"JJJJJerome Ellis bends time into something sacred." This is not just metaphor—it’s the foundation of their art. The Black disabled Grenadian-Jamaican-American artist, performer, composer, and storyteller returns this fall with Vesper Sparrow, a bold and expansive new album out November 14 on Shelter Press.

Ellis’ work has been described as “rule-shattering” (This American Life), “astonishing” (The Guardian), and “imbued with emotion and Black history” (NPR Music). With their sophomore LP, they further cement their place as one of the most original interdisciplinary artists working today—redefining the relationship between music, speech, silence, and time.

Honoring the Stutter, Bending Time

JJJJJerome’s artistic practice—spanning saxophone, hammered dulcimer, electronics, organ, voice, and spoken word—centers their lived experience as a person who stutters. The very name “JJJJJerome” stems from the letter they most often stutter on: their own name.

Their work doesn’t attempt to fix the stutter—it celebrates it. In Ellis’ hands, the stutter becomes a sonic event, a poetic rupture, and a radical reframing of temporality itself.

About Vesper Sparrow

Composed of six tracks—including the four-part piece “Evensong”—Vesper Sparrow draws from sacred Black musical traditions, granular synthesis, ambient electronics, indie rock textures, and Caribbean/Black American sonic histories.

At its core, the record is a conversation between sound and silence, between tradition and experimentation. Ellis integrates stuttering as both subject and structure. In fact, a recorded stutter becomes the hinge between “Evensong, Part 2” and the title track, “Vesper Sparrow.”

“The stutter becomes a structuring moment,” they explain—offering a suspended space, a break in linear time that invites both reflection and transformation.

The album also features collaborations with Haruna Lee, James Harrison Monaco, Ronald Peet, and S T A R R (busby), contributing to a collective act of sonic communion.

A Sacred, Interconnected Practice

Ellis lives and works from a monastery in Norfolk, VA, on traditional Nansemond and Chesepioc land, with their wife, poet-ecologist Luísa Black Ellis. Their music is deeply influenced by spiritual lineage, ancestral memory, and natural time. From improvising along to Coltrane as a teen to earning accolades from Claudia Rankine and Pitchfork, Ellis has continually forged new pathways—personal, philosophical, and artistic.

They are a Fulbright Fellow, a Creative Capital grantee, and a widely recognized voice in contemporary performance, having appeared at the Venice Biennale, Whitney Museum, Rewire Festival, The Shed, and National Sawdust.

Tour Dates – Fall 2025

• Sept 12 – Chicago, IL @ Sound & Gravity

• Sept 27 – Cincinnati, OH @ Talk Low

• Oct 3 – Brooklyn, NY @ Roulette

• Oct 9 – Norfolk, VA @ ODU Literary Festival

• Oct 18 – Vancouver, BC @ Vancouver New Music Festival

• Oct 19 – Portland, OR @ The Old Church

• Oct 21 – Seattle, WA @ Vera Project

• Oct 24 – Oakland, CA @ The Crown via Lo-Fi Oyster Co

• Oct 25 – San Francisco, CA @ Museum of African Diaspora

• Nov 1 – Charlottesville, VA @ Fralin Museum of Art

• Nov 8 – Montréal, QC @ Voice and Media

Tracklist – Vesper Sparrow

1. Evensong, Part 1 (for and after June Kramer)

2. Evensong, Part 2 (for and after James Harrison Monaco)

3. Vesper Sparrow (feat. Haruna Lee, James Harrison Monaco, Ronald Peet, S T A R R (busby))

4. Savannah Sparrow (for and after Kenita Miller)

5. Evensong, Part 3 (for and after Jessica Valoris)

6. Evensong, Part 4 (for and after okcandice)

JJJJJerome Ellis does not just make music—they shape time. Vesper Sparrow is a breathtaking act of suspension, disruption, and care. It’s a sacred space, a poetic offering, and a profound expansion of what music—and voice—can be.

Max Jaffe to Release You Want That Too! on November 21 via Colorfield Records

Los Angeles-based drummer and producer Max Jaffe is set to release his highly anticipated LP, You Want That Too!, on November 21st via Colorfield Records. Known for his innovative approach to drumming and composition, Jaffe’s latest album is a captivating journey through eclectic rhythms, space jazz, and experimental textures. Recorded at Pete Min's Lucy’s Meat Market Studio in LA, You Want That Too! features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Jeff Parker, Meg Duffy (Hand Habits), Spencer Zahn, Logan Kane, and many others.

A Sonic Exploration: You Want That Too!

Jaffe’s new LP is the result of a deep and experimental creative process. Describing the album as a “process-driven experiment,” Jaffe says, “Each track was sculpted from pristine silence — whittled away with tone, harmony, rhythm.” The album was recorded with the goal of a clean slate every day in the studio, allowing Jaffe and his collaborators to explore sound freely and create something fresh each time they picked up their instruments.

The result is an album that is as experimental as it is joyful, with a focus on discovery, collaboration, and the creation of new sounds. Jaffe’s work has always been defined by his commitment to pushing boundaries, and You Want That Too! is no exception. The music itself is propulsive yet mellow, with an experimental edge that draws on influences from early Warp Records releases, space jazz, and glitch-funk. Throughout the LP, listeners are invited to engage with the tension between structure and freedom, as Jaffe and his collaborators craft a sound that is dynamic and ever-evolving.

Collaborations that Tell a Story

One of the defining features of You Want That Too! is its collaborative nature. Jaffe explains that the musicians on the album “tell a story,” with some being long-time friends and others newly forged connections in his ever-expanding musical network. Jeff Parker’s expressive guitar work, Meg Duffy’s delicate yet powerful guitar tones, and Spencer Zahn’s deep bass grooves all contribute to the album’s intricate layers. Other collaborators include Gavin Gamboa, Daniel Rotem, Shelley Burgon, and Logan Kane, each adding their unique voice to the project.

While the album embraces a wide range of musical ideas, it never feels scattered. The variety of sounds and influences is carefully curated, resulting in an album that maintains a coherent identity while offering moments of playful experimentation and discovery.

Key Tracks: A Glimpse into You Want That Too!

The first single, “In Green”, released ahead of the album, is a perfect introduction to Jaffe’s creative world. With a buoyant groove and improvisational moments provided by Jeff Parker, Daniel Rotem, and Logan Kane, the track offers a glimpse into the kind of sonic exploration Jaffe has been working on. Max describes it as a “personal flotation device,” inviting listeners to drift downstream through the music’s flowing, improvisational wonder.

Another standout track, “S-NARE”, will be released on October 29th. The track draws inspiration from early Warp Records and Jaffe’s work with electronic drum sensors like Sensory Percussion. “S-NARE” is a drum-centric freakout, where the snare drum takes center stage as both a historical and musical symbol of control and power. “The snare has a loaded history of leading militaries into bloodshed,” Jaffe says. “S-NARE” uses that tension to lead the listener through a cathartic, driving rhythm that both captivates and challenges.

A New Chapter for Max Jaffe

For Jaffe, You Want That Too! represents a new chapter in his musical journey. His previous album, Reduction of Man, was a reflection on his twenties in pre-pandemic New York City, an elegy to a period of his life that felt like it had come to a close. With You Want That Too!, Jaffe is building a fresh foundation, one that draws on his experiences, his history, and the collaborative spirit of his time in LA.

“This is not a complete fresh start,” Jaffe reflects. “I am still, for better or worse, me. But it’s a new story.” This “new story” feels more expansive, open, and optimistic—a celebration of collaboration and the creative possibilities that come from working with others.

A Diverse, Eclectic Sound

What stands out most about You Want That Too! is its eclecticism. The album spans a wide range of musical genres and styles, from experimental jazz and glitch-funk to ambient and atmospheric soundscapes. But it’s not just a mix of disparate sounds; the album thrives on its ability to find cohesion in diversity. It’s an album that embraces the unknown, and in doing so, offers listeners a rich, immersive experience.

One track that exemplifies this eclecticism is “Ancestral Creeks”, which feels like a unique blend of psychedelic rock, jazz, and experimental music. The track recalls the spirit of CAN’s Tago Mago, yet it’s undeniably personal to Jaffe and Min. The deep, hypnotic grooves and expansive soundscapes invite listeners to lose themselves in the music, making it one of the album’s standout moments.

What’s Next for Max Jaffe?

With You Want That Too!, Jaffe continues to cement his place as a forward-thinking artist in the world of experimental jazz and electronic music. His exploration of new sounds, his commitment to collaboration, and his willingness to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the studio make this album one of his most exciting releases yet.

Fans of Josh Johnson, Jeff Parker, CAN, Plaid, and Pharoah Sanders will find much to love here, but Jaffe’s unique voice and approach ensure that You Want That Too! stands on its own as a truly distinctive work.

Album Details

Album Title: You Want That Too!
Artist: Max Jaffe
Release Date: November 21, 2023
Label: Colorfield Records
Genres: Jazz, Experimental

Chino Amobi Unveils New Single 'Space City' and Striking Visual Ahead of Highly Anticipated Album Eroica II: Christian Nihilism

Chino Amobi, the multi-talented American musician, painter, director, and graphic designer, has released his highly anticipated new single, “Space City”, alongside a visually arresting music video directed by his longtime collaborator, Nathan De Paz Habib. The track serves as a precursor to his upcoming album, Eroica II: Christian Nihilism, due out on October 31st via Drowned By Locals.

Space City: A Meditation on Houston, Memory, and Contradiction

Following the minimalistic, reflective tones of “Aristides”, Amobi's latest release, “Space City”, represents a darker, more magnetic exploration of his personal and philosophical terrain. With its atmospheric layers and brooding intensity, the track is a sonic descent into the depths of spiritual doubt, transcendence, and emotional reckoning.

In a statement about the track, Amobi shared:

“‘Space City’ is about my time spent living and rooted in Houston after travelling around the world and the influences that it has had on me mentally, physically, and psychically. It’s a drone-like meditation of The Eroica Onticide — where I am at in my life and philosophy, in truth and contradiction.”

The song is a profound meditation on place, memory, and the contradictions that define existence. The title “Space City” references Houston, Amobi's home after years of global travel, a city that stands as both a symbol of ambition and isolation. It reflects the spiritual tensions that run through Amobi’s life, blending drone-like minimalism with haunting atmospherics to craft a soundscape that is as cerebral as it is emotional.

The Video: A Haunting Visual Journey

To accompany the release, Amobi has teamed up once again with director Nathan De Paz Habib, who also crafted the visually stunning music video. The video, starring Rufin Doh, mirrors the song’s themes of internal struggle and transformation, enhancing the track’s brooding atmosphere with cinematic visuals that are both haunting and beautiful.

The cinematography by Andrea Pietro Munafó complements the track’s tonal depth, creating an immersive visual experience that amplifies the track’s themes of spiritual confrontation and introspection.

Eroica II: Christian Nihilism — A Deep Dive Into Spiritual Upheaval

Space City serves as a glimpse into the broader thematic landscape of Amobi’s upcoming album, Eroica II: Christian Nihilism. The album is set to explore spiritual doubt and transcendence in stark, minimalistic tones, marking a significant departure from the sweltering, postcolonial soundscapes of Amobi’s debut album, Paradiso (2017). While Paradiso was a fierce exploration of global South tensions, displacement, and resistance, Eroica II is more introspective—an exploration of memory, exile, and spiritual upheaval.

Drawing inspiration from a variety of genres, Amobi combines folky drones, glacial ambient textures, spectral trap, and sacred music influences to create a sound that is at once haunting and serene. The album’s minimalism invites listeners to reckon with silence, voids, and spiritual questions with contemplative force.

This transition from the confrontational to the contemplative signals Amobi’s growth as an artist—one who is less concerned with outward conflict and more focused on the internal struggles that define the human experience.

Chino Amobi: A Multifaceted Artist

Chino Amobi was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Nigerian parents and grew up in Virginia. His early experiences, shaped by frequent trips to Nigeria, deeply informed his art and music. Initially, Amobi experimented with rap, alongside his brother (now known as Chichi The Eternal), before adopting the moniker Diamond Black Hearted Boy in the early 2010s. His early work was defined by raw, conceptual internet music that explored themes of futurism and emotional dissonance.

Amobi’s music has always pushed boundaries, blending genres and ideas in a way that defies categorization. He co-founded the influential label and art collective NON Worldwide alongside Angel-Ho and Nkisi, a platform dedicated to artists of the African diaspora. NON quickly gained global recognition for its radical political ethos and genre-defying sound.

Amobi’s works span across multiple disciplines, including fashion, film, and visual art. His visual work has been showcased in galleries across the world, with his paintings represented by major galleries in New York, Paris, and Washington, D.C.

Eroica II: Christian Nihilism — Tracklist

1. The Triumph of the Cross

2. Alpha and Omega

3. Space City

4. Hand of God

5. The Eroica Mystery School

6. I Love Beauty, I Am a Nihilist, but I Love Beauty

7. I Wouldn't Be Alive Without You

8. 777

9. 222

10. Wicked City

11. Aristides

12. This Is the Best of Seth Price

13. Gallerina

14. Legend

15. Close Enemies (Bonus Digital)

16. Pleiades (Bonus Digital)

17. Glory to the Highest (feat. The Eternal) (Bonus Digital)

18. You Want It Darker (Bonus Digital)

The Future of Chino Amobi

Amobi’s continued exploration of sound, memory, and existentialism has positioned him as one of the most intriguing and boundary-pushing artists of his generation. As Eroica II: Christian Nihilism looms on the horizon, his listeners can expect an album that challenges the very fabric of spiritual and sonic expression.

For now, the release of Space City offers a compelling taste of what’s to come—a track that’s both meditative and intense, filled with layers of meaning and sonic complexity. With a release date set for October 31st, Eroica II: Christian Nihilism promises to be an album of monumental emotional and philosophical weight.

John Taylor, Marc Johnson, Joey Baron – Tramonto

A revelatory live trio recording from ECM, capturing John Taylor in radiant form with Marc Johnson and Joey Baron.

A Night in Birmingham, 2002

Recorded live during the Contemporary Music Network tour in January 2002, Tramonto captures UK pianist John Taylor (1942–2015) in celebratory, expansive mood. The concert finds him fronting one of his most dynamic and quick-witted trios, alongside bassist Marc Johnson and drummer Joey Baron—a powerhouse rhythm team whose agility and inventiveness match Taylor’s mercurial artistry.

The chemistry between the three musicians is unmistakable. Just months later, they would record the acclaimed ECM release Rosslyn in Oslo, but Tramonto preserves the trio in an earlier, rawer state—live, risk-taking, and electric with possibility.

John Taylor and the ECM Connection

Taylor’s long relationship with ECM dates back to 1977, when he co-founded Azimuth with Norma Winstone and Kenny Wheeler. Over the decades, he contributed to more than two dozen projects, yet he was rarely featured in a piano trio context on the label. Exceptions came with drummer Peter Erskine’s trio, where Taylor both played and composed.

Two of his Erskine Trio compositions resurface on Tramonto:

• “Pure and Simple” – elegant yet harmonically adventurous.

• “Ambleside” – transformed here into a 15-minute epic of shifting moods and extended improvisation, spotlighting all three musicians.

Taylor’s gift as a composer—what critic John Fordham called “romantically song-like yet harmonically unpredictable”—shines throughout the set.

The Music

The programme blends originals and inspired interpretations:

• “Between Moons” – Tender and lyrical, a Taylor composition that would later appear on Rosslyn. Its Bill Evans lineage is unmistakable, underscored by Johnson’s presence as Evans’s final bassist.

• “Up Too Late” (Steve Swallow) – A spirited excursion leaping from bop to free playing, complete with Johnson’s arco bass and Baron’s mercurial drumming.

• “Tramonto” (Ralph Towner) – The title track, first premiered on ECM thirty years earlier by Towner and Gary Peacock on Oracle, receives a fresh and vibrant reinterpretation.

Together, these performances reveal a trio deeply attuned to surprise, texture, and nuance—qualities that would define their later studio work.

Legacy and Lineage

Beyond Tramonto and Rosslyn, John Taylor’s ECM legacy includes:

• The Azimuth albums (Azimuth, The Touchstone, Départ, Azimuth ’85, How It Was Then – Never Again).

• Collaborations with John Surman, Jan Garbarek, Kenny Wheeler, Norma Winstone, Peter Erskine, Miroslav Vitous, Arild Andersen, Mark Feldman, and Marilyn Mazur.

Marc Johnson and Joey Baron, meanwhile, have their own deep ECM histories:

• As a rhythm tandem in John Abercrombie’s bands (Cat’n’Mouse, Class Trip, The Third Quartet).

• As key players on Johnson’s Shades of Jade and Swept Away, with Baron’s drums lending color and drive.

• Johnson’s leader work spans decades, from the electric urgency of Bass Desires (with Scofield, Frisell, and Erskine) to the intimate solo bass recording Overpass (2021).

• Baron remains a force in contemporary jazz, most recently with the Fred Hersch Trio (The Surrounding Green, 2025) and in collaborations with Danish guitarist Jakob Bro (Streams, Bay of Rainbows, Once Around the Room).

Why Tramonto Matters

More than a long-lost live tape, Tramonto offers a rare glimpse of John Taylor in full trio flight, balancing lyricism, wit, and daring improvisation. It documents the pianist’s ability to compose for improvisers while surrounding himself with musicians capable of turning every twist into fresh inspiration.

For listeners who admired Rosslyn, this is its natural companion: rawer, more immediate, and suffused with the joy of discovery on stage. For newcomers, it’s a chance to hear one of Britain’s greatest jazz pianists at the height of his creative powers.

✨ Tramonto isn’t just a recording—it’s a reminder of the vitality, openness, and brilliance John Taylor brought to every performance.