The Arts Desk Compares Mary Halvorson – Number One At NACC Jazz – To Charles Mingus and Sonny Sharrock

The Arts Desk writes that Mary Halvorson‘s new LP About Ghosts “feels very live. Produced by regular associate John Dieterich (of Deerhoof), it is sinuous. Even when the tempo is dialled back – as on the reflective title track with its New Orléans lament feel – an undulating character renders off-balance what initially seems linear. An oscillation. When the tempo picks up – the math-rock-evoking ‘Absinthian’ goes like the clappers – it’s akin to being buffeted on a ship’s deck during a squall. The title isn’t literally about ghosts, but implied presences. This might be the balance between the composed and the improvised favoured by Charles Mingus or the less edgy aspects of Sonny Sharrock’s spontaneity. Or, that subtly employed synthesiser. The intricate About Ghosts wears its trickiness lightly.” The full review is here.

At radio now from Nonesuch, About Ghosts hit #1 on the NACC Jazz chart last week. Thanks to all the stations that have played the record and supported it on your charts!