Personnel:
Hillai Govreen (ts, cl), Noah Stoneman (p, Fender Rhodes), Eden Ladin (p, keyb), Steve Cardenas (g), Ben Meigners (b, el-b), Eric McPherson, William West (d), Café Da Silva (perc), Greg Glassman (tp)
Reference: FSNT-705
Bar code: 8427328437059
Official release date: August 1st, 2025
Something in my heart leapt, the first time I heard this music performed live. I was willing to respond to the new sound right away. I noticed others recognized that "this is new." They sat on the edge ot they seats, all keen on staying with it, giddy with anticipation that something great is about to go down. Listening, you catch a hint, a foreshadow from some 'wild notes,' You hear someone say, “Oh shit, look out now." Then the atmosphere on stage gets heavy, as someone begins to "stretch."
A thread-bare existence, often unavoidable, often deemed the “artist's way” lends uncertainty to life. I myself, am most certainly uncertain, It's common ground for many of us. Uncertainty bring doubt and emotions into the foreground, where, it may become “grist for the mill.” The starving artist archetype is our best emotional check on modern works —"Keeping it real," as they say. T want to feel the "real" when I listen to music, Lacking Soul and spontaneity, being precise and perfectly rational, all the time, is simply "square."
The music presente here is quite "real." It is streetwise and intuitive. It's imagery is fashioned by bare passion and powerful imagination. To musicians, playing standards, though challenging, may become not "real." An original song is like your own child. Interpreting standards is like someone else's kids. You may play with someone else's kids, but, your own, you teach. Your own is an extension of who you are, an expression of your philosophy.
"A lot is lost for the sake of originality, is the most common criticism. But, what if, nothing is lost? What if, honest research was conducted, "like burnin' the midnight oil," "payin' all your dues." Well then, I say, something special is about to happen, so, "get ready," hold on to your hats, 'cause "here it comes."
—M.B.
