Brooklyn based experimental guitarist and composer Xander Naylor aalwwys ouhses himself further. His new album Continuum finds him going even deeper into jazz, post-rock and Indian music than his previous record Transmission. He transcends the boundaries of genres without blinkng an eye, leading his core band Sound Machine and choice guest musicians, through his unique brand of eclectic avant-garde music. Naylor is dead set on avoiding the beaten paths and to weave his own sonic tapestries, challenging himself, his fellow musicians and his listeners.
Continuum is an album that requires some time to get into. A working knowledge of what is going on in the world of avant-garde and world music is helpful. Naylor's use of dissonants, free-flowing chord changes and rhythmic risk taking are a joy for anyone who wants to be surprised and taken down roads that they did not even know were there. Woodwinds, brass and eerie vocals sit next to the "rock" instruments, not as competitors but as true collaborators. He has a vision and he is lucky to have a band that is able to play what he is hearing in his hand.
Xander Naylor: guitar, synths
Alex Asher: trombone (1, 2, 6, 8)
Angelica Bess: vocals (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Nicholas Jozwiak: bass
Cole Kamen-Green: trumpet (1, 2 6, 8)
Raphael Pannier: drums
Sarah Pedinotti: vocals (1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Elijah Shiffer: alto sax
Alec Spiegelman: baritone sax (1, 2, 6, 8), bass clarinet (3)
Continuum is released via Chant Records. Buy it (CD, digital) from his website.
Tracks:- Lunar Acropolis
- Export For Screens
- Surrender
- Pursuit
- Phone Zone
- Riddlin’
- Who Laughs Last
- Leverage
HCTF review of Transmission.
