Pigments

by Dawn Richard, Spencer Zahn

Overview

A foreshadowing of Pigments took place in 2018 when Spencer Zahn released an abridged version of "Cyanotype" -- a tranquil, floating piece from his instrumental album People of the Dawn -- with sorrowful words and vocals added by art-pop whiz Dawn Richard. The lengthier and from-scratch collaboration here is a progression for both artists. Zahn is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and arranger who often cites the ECM label and Mark Hollis' self-titled solo album, inspirations that are as evident as ever on Pigments, particularly with its foundation in near-minimalist chamber jazz, and a sense that Zahn relates to Hollis' philosophy of "Don't play one note unless you've got a reason." To paraphrase another sage, Too $hort, Richard gets in where she fits in, vocalizing on just over half of the sections within the 37-minute composition. She appears sometimes sylph-like, pushed aloft by gentle coaxing from Zahn's upright bass and piano. During other moments, Richard is wholly human, basking in physical intimacy atop lapping drums, entreating through whirls of saxophone and strings, and on the finale, gathering strength over a partly mechanized pulse amplifying her ceaseless determination. Those most drawn to Richard when she's in high-BPM prancing mode might find it challenging to acclimate to the slow pacing and open spaces (with drums frequently absent). Moreover, Richard is not so much the primary voice as she is part of an ensemble, sharing the lead role with many of the eight players, such as saxophonist Jas Walton, whose fluttering tenor on highlight "Vantablack," undergirded by bass clarinet and dressed with acoustic guitar, resembles that of Waterfalls-era John Klemmer. Only on "Cerulean" does the singer let loose, and it's to confront and grieve ("Are you hurting like you're hurting me?!") with support from needling electric guitar, blasting reeds, and intense swells of electronics and strings. Still, each appearance she makes is halting and deeply felt. Everything provided and guided by her partner coalesces into a quietly powerful flowing sequence. Pigments is not necessarily built for movement, but it's as moving as any of Richard's previous output. No other album is quite like it. ~ Andy Kellman

Product Details

Release Date:	10/21/2022
Label:	MERGE RECORDS
UPC:	0673855078427

Tracks

1. Coral
2. Sandstone
3. Indigo
4. Vantablack
5. Sienna
6. Cerulean
7. Opal
8. Saffron
9. Crimson
10. Cobalt
11. Umber

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Dawn Richard   Primary Artist,Vocals
Spencer Zahn   Primary Artist,Piano,Vibraphone,Synthesizer,Fretless Bass,Bass (Upright)
Dave Scalia   Drums
Jas Walton   Flute,Sax (Tenor)
Kirk Schoenherr   Guitar (Electric)
Mike Haldeman   Guitar (Acoustic),Guitar (Electric)
Malcolm Parson   Cello,Viola,Violin
Doug Wieselman   Clarinet,Clarinet (Bass)
Stuart Bogie   Clarinet,Clarinet (Bass)

Technical Credits

Mike Haldeman   Instrumentation
Lily Wen   Engineer
Alex Komlos   Vocal Engineer
Monty Marsh   Cover Photo
Eli Crews   Mixing Engineer
Spencer Zahn   Arranger,Composer,Producer
Jake Aron   Vocal Engineer
Shawn Hatfield   Mastering Engineer