Aaron Shragge: Dragon Mouth Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Shakuhachi
Ben Monder: Guitar
This World of Dew is Aaron Shragge’s third release with Ben Monder.
The duo project, an exploratory, meditative collaboration, has been praised as “…lyrical and heartwarming…” (Jazz Times) and “thoroughly modern with a definitive sound…” (The Birmingham Times).
The album features guitarist Ben Monder’s otherworldly harmonic virtuosity in expansive sonic textures that highlight Shragge’s subtle and distinctive lyrical voice on the shakuhachi and dragon mouth trumpet (a custom microtonal instrument).
The fourteen new compositions by Shragge are inspired by the writings of both ancient and modern poets: Kobayashi Issa, Matsuo Bashō, Li Po, Nishiyama Sōin and Charles Bukowski.
Tracks 2-7 make up “This World of Dew Suite” which follows the emotional arc of poet Kobahashi Issa’s grief as he mourned the loss of his young daughter. What ties all these compositions together is how they explore themes of loneliness, perseverance and impermanence.