Elliott Sharp's "Kármán Lines" is a daring exploration into the realms of free jazz, avant-garde, and experimental music, released on November 5, 2021, via Zoar Records. This hour-long sonic journey is a testament to Sharp's innovative spirit and his ability to push the boundaries of musical expression. The album features eight intricate tracks, each a unique blend of improvisation and compositional rigor.
"Kármán Lines" opens with "Spinors," setting the stage for the complex interplay of sounds that follow. "Ataraxia" and "Brink" delve into the avant-garde, challenging conventional musical structures with their unconventional rhythms and harmonies. "Divergence" and "Barycenter" showcase Sharp's mastery of free jazz, with improvisational sections that are as captivating as they are unpredictable. The album continues with "Prime Sieve," a track that highlights Sharp's experimental side, followed by "Thermospheric" and "Turbopause," which explore the outer limits of sonic experimentation. The album concludes with "Aphelion," a fitting end to this musical odyssey.
Sharp's work on "Kármán Lines" is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive exploration of sound and structure, inspired by the scientific principles that govern our universe. The album's title, "Kármán Lines," is a nod to the Kármán line, the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space, reflecting Sharp's interest in the intersection of art and science. This album is a bold statement from one of the most innovative musicians of our time, offering a fresh perspective on what jazz and experimental music can be.