Mary Halvorson, the acclaimed Brooklyn-based guitarist, composer, and MacArthur fellow, returns with her latest avant-garde jazz offering, "About Ghosts," set to release on June 13, 2025, via Nonesuch. This album marks another chapter in Halvorson's prolific career, showcasing her restless experimentalism and deep exploration of her instrument's versatility within the jazz ensemble.
"About Ghosts" features eight new compositions by Halvorson, performed with an expanded version of her Amaryllis ensemble, which previously delivered one of 2024's standout jazz albums, "Cloudward." The lineup on this record is designed to create a rich, dense soundscape, with Halvorson layering intricate horn arrangements and unexpected timbres. Produced by John Dieterich of deerhoof, the album has a sinuous quality that feels very live, even when the tempo is dialed back.
The album's title track, "About Ghosts," sets the tone for the record, with its haunting melodies and complex rhythms. Other standout tracks include "Full of Neon," which opens the album with a burst of energy, and "Amaranthine," a piece that showcases Halvorson's ability to blend beauty and dissonance seamlessly. "Polyhedral" and "Endmost" close the album with a sense of resolution, leaving the listener with a lasting impression of Halvorson's unique musical vision.
"About Ghosts" is a testament to Mary Halvorson's continued innovation and her ability to push the boundaries of jazz. With its intricate compositions and dynamic performances, this album is sure to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike. The vinyl release, weighing in at 225g and measuring 312mm x 309mm x 4mm, is a tangible piece of art that complements the sonic experience.