Torontonian bassist and composer Josh Cole releases his debut LP “Kind Mind,” which features the stellar ensemble of the same name. The group’s mixture of inward lyricism, sonic curiosity, and patient atmospherics allows them to incorporate elements of Free Improv, Jazz, Chamber Music and Abstract Electronics while maintaining a cohesive and engaging shared language.
Cole‘s two sparring partners are the masterful Karen Ng (collaborator to —–_, See Through 4, Badge Époque, Lido Pimienta) on saxophone and vibraphonist Michael Davidson (Ryan Driver Sextet, See Through 4, Joseph Shabason, Aline’s étoile magique) both of whom offer striking colours and sly eruptions of energy. David Reed‘s glowing review calls the disc “conversational, exploratory and utterly compelling from start to finish […] like climbing into a series of paintings“
The album will be available for purchase directly from Cole‘s newly minted label Cassiar Records, here: https://cassiarrecords.bandcamp.com/
Kind Mind is also playing several shows across Canada in support of the record. On October 28th, they play at Iron Works in Vancouver (presented by Coastal Jazz and Blues) and October 29th they’re at the Highline Brewery in Calgary (presented by Bug Incision).
Following the live Kind Mind recording from 2020 that focused on the ‘intimate and inventive’ style of improvisation the trio had been engaged in up till that point, this new full length studio album dramatically shifts the approach. Built around 6 new compositions by Josh Cole and guided by a heightened interest in shaping improvisations with electronics and samples (aided by Matthew Pencer and Sandro Perri), the music is intentionally distilled, the compositions presented with clarity, restraint, and minimal elaborations. There are of course moments when the improvisational characteristics from the live recording resurface, but these moments exist as part of the reflective narrative embedded deep within this recording.
Tracklist:
01. the subway 02:58
02. talking makes it worse
03. the bar
04. a 10 minute walk from here
05. inside 05:21
06. red deer
07. expectations
08. daughters
09. holding pattern
10. over the bridge
11. tired
Credits:
Karen Ng / Alto Saxophone, Clarinet, Synth
Michael Davidson / Marimba, Vibraphone, Pedals
Josh Cole / Double Bass, Synth, Sampler/Field Recordings, Pedals
Sandro Perri / Additional Electronics
Joe Strutt / Field Recording Track 9