Whispering Worlds – Cosmic Cliffs
Aaron Shragge – Trumpet, Shakuhachi, Electronics
Luke Schwartz – Guitar, Electronics
Damon Banks – Bass
Deric Dickens – Drums
Whispering Worlds is an electronic-acoustic ensemble that connects four musicians and two AbletonLive systems to deliver global music that stretches from the depths of ambient landscapes, to Raga-based compositions, to interactive experimental jazz. The quartet’s unique sound seamlessly integrates looping, live processing and sampling with the compelling melodic development found in Indian Raga and the music of the Japanese shakuhachi.
The quartet was formed in 2022 to pay homage to late composer/trumpeter Jon Hassell at Festival of New Trumpet Music in New York. The performance featured new works by Aaron Shragge that drew inspiration from distinctive points in Hassell’s forty plus year. The performance also drew praise from artistic director/trumpeter/composer Dave Douglas: “Delving deeply into the sonic and spiritual worlds of Hassell’s work, Aaron Shragge presents a deeply felt homage to the trumpeter and composer. This meditative set demonstrated focus and passion, with beautiful and precise playing. A fantastic vision of what the trumpet can do and be…”.
In 2023 a residency at Avaloch Farm Music Institute, supported by a grant from Mass Cultural Council, allowed the quartet to further develop their repertoire with new collectively composed pieces leading to their debut album Cosmic Cliffs. The first single Light Echoes will be released March 5th.
Release Date: Friday, March 28th 2025 on Adhyaropa Records
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