"Basalt" is a sonically expansive composition that reflects the evolution of the band from the early days as a trio into the full ensemble it has become. Atlas Maior, which is co-led by Josh Peters and Joshua Thomson, have forged a multifaceted creative cavalcade from their full quintet to Tabla Trio (with Jason McKenzie), to the full improvised Atlas Maior: Palindrome project (inspired by Atlas Maior's double album Palindrome), or collaborations with guest vocalists ("Nazuk, Ya Ali" with Ali Pervez Mehdi).
"Basalt" is unique by bringing together the two rhythm sections, and for the first time two drummers performing two drum kits together (Del Bosque and Parks). Peters' approach to writing for two drummers is informed by Ghanian Highlife, and the southern Saudi Arabian arda janubian 4/4 rhythm which has similarities in feel to Brazilian samba. The initial melody for the piece was written by Thomson, and heavily influenced by Ornette Coleman, as can be heard in the rubato introductory melody performing by alto saxophone and oud, which is a departure from Atlas Maior's previous approaches with this instrumentation. Together Peters and Thomson constructed the overall vision and form for "Basalt," solidifying the chord progression, and developing the overall arrangement and various sections of the piece.
This new single continues the successful writing momentum and creative partnership between Peters and Thomson (since their first songs together "Ya Ali" and "Nazuk), this time in an instrumental setting. Basalt features drummers Stefan Del Bosque making his debut recording appearance with Atlas Maior, along with Aaron Parks who appeared on 2020's Singles ("Nazuk," "Ya Ali"). Bassist Tarik Hassan finishes his Austin, TX seven year tenure with the band before departing for Lyon, France. Hassan first recorded with Atlas Maior on 2019's LP RIPTIDE.
The duo concludes, "we were very much influenced by the expansive scenic imagery of the southwest United States and the desire to be in nature, along with the theme of connection to one's sense of self. Basalt evokes a soaring sense of transcendence over buttes, rocks, and the red dust from the earth."
The single art was created by Benson A. Roberts III, and is a photograph that Roberts took of Salton Sea, CA.
credits
released October 21, 2022
Josh Peters - oud
Aaron Parks - drums
Stefan Del Bosque – drums
Tarik Hassan - double bass
Joshua Thomson - alto saxophone
Engineered and mixed by Gary Calhoun James at Hen House Recording - Austin, TX
Mastered by: Carl Saff at Saff Mastering – Chicago, IL
Produced by: Josh Peters, and Joshua Thomson
A lost classic of Greek jazz, this collection of songs threads snakelike melodies through a bubbling cauldron of drums. Bandcamp New & Notable Jul 8, 2019
