1. PRELUDE IN THE ASH 2. THIS VIVID 3. NICE TO MEET YOU AGAIN FOR THE FIRST TIME 4. SOUNDCHECK 5. WATERSMOKE 6. TANGLED PRETTY 7. OFO 8. BLOOD & SAND 9. SLO-MO NEON LUMINATE HOVERINGS
Description:
"Slo-mo Neon Luminate Hoverings" on CD brings together two of the most distinctive voices in contemporary jazz: trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire and guitarist Mary Halvorson. Both artists are known for their boundary-pushing approach, and this collaboration focuses on subtle interplay, spacious soundscapes, and a constantly shifting balance between melody and abstraction. Expect intricate trumpet lines that hover between lyricism and fragmentation, set against Halvorson's harmonically adventurous guitar textures and off-kilter rhythms. The album feels like a slow-moving neon glow: intimate, exploratory, occasionally angular, yet deeply atmospheric, rewarding close and repeated listening. Rather than delivering straightforward tunes, the music unfolds like a series of luminous vignettes, rich in detail and emotional nuance, ideal for listeners who appreciate forward-thinking jazz and improvised music.
Ambrose Akinmusire has emerged as one of the most influential trumpeters of his generation, celebrated for his striking tone, unpredictable melodic turns, and a body of work that has helped reshape contemporary jazz. He has released critically acclaimed albums on major jazz labels, frequently appearing in year-end best-of lists and earning recognition for his ability to blend modern composition, improvisation, and social commentary. Mary Halvorson is widely regarded as one of today's most original guitarists and composers in creative music. Her unique use of pitch-shifting, angular lines, and unconventional harmonies has brought her numerous awards and top poll placements in jazz magazines, as well as collaborations with many leading figures in avant-garde and modern jazz. Together, they form a duo that feels both daring and deeply attuned to each other's musical instincts.
The CD is released by Nonesuch, a label renowned for its carefully curated roster and high production standards. Since its early days, Nonesuch has built a reputation for championing innovative, genre-defying music--from contemporary classical and experimental projects to trailblazing jazz and global sounds. The label is known for giving artists the creative freedom to pursue ambitious ideas, often resulting in landmark recordings that stand the test of time. With "Slo-mo Neon Luminate Hoverings," Nonesuch continues its tradition of presenting music that challenges conventions while remaining accessible to listeners who value depth, craft, and originality. This release underscores the label's ongoing commitment to documenting important voices in modern music and providing them with a thoughtfully produced home on physical formats like CD.
As a physical edition, the CD format offers a tangible way to experience this collaboration: the opportunity to listen to the music in sequence as intended, with potential room for artwork, liner notes, and session information that can further illuminate the duo's artistic choices. Audiophiles and collectors of modern jazz will appreciate having this album as a dedicated object in their library, while the detailed sound design and dynamic interplay between trumpet and guitar benefit from focused, uninterrupted listening. "Slo-mo Neon Luminate Hoverings" stands as a compelling choice for those seeking jazz that is exploratory yet emotionally resonant, intimate yet sonically adventurous, and firmly rooted in the forward-looking spirit that defines both Ambrose Akinmusire, Mary Halvorson, and the Nonesuch catalog.
Modern
32.361
- AcidJazz/DanceJazz 107- Avantgarde/Free 983- Bebop 109- Bossa Nova 340- Cool 75- Hard Bop 155- Jazz Rock/Fusion 748- Latin Jazz 998- Other Modern Jazz 27.381- PopJazz/SmoothJazz 795- World-&Ethno-Ja. 447
