Partner

***Partner (Chicago) began in 2013 as a celebration between musicians. The project developed into an exploration of rhythm, textures and genres. The songs are built upon Libby Ramer’s compositions, and feature the mercurial and multifaceted drumming of Ben Billington, noir bass from Alex Nova and free form saxophone from Christmas Woods. Experiments with phrasing and form were arranged to best express the emotions of each song, and recording engineer Cooper Crain (Cave, Bitchin’ Bajas) greatly assisted in bringing these tones to canvas. Recorded over 2014-15, the album feels immediate and immersive. Partner’s songs make room for the unique voice of each instrumentalist, showcasing communication and connection through music, whether synchronized, cacophonous or in shared silence. Partner’s influences pull from Canterbury bands such as Egg and Soft Machine, eclectic progressive rockers Curved Air, Van der Graaf Generator, Roxy Music, the synth pop experiments of Todd Rundgren, Annette Peacock, and the instrumental expeditions of This Heat and electric-era Miles Davis.