John Jeffrey – Passage

Each of John Jefrey’s “anti-compositions” are like pieces of stained glass.

The multi-instrumentalist spent breaks between tours as drummer for Moon Duo working on his solo record, inspired by the serene natural landscape of his home of Vancouver and propelled by the idea of nature’s sentience; as well as Alice Coltrane and Canadian painter Takao Tanab.

This music is a living, breathing thing – pastoral, intricate, multi-faceted. Though instrumental, it’s not a passive voyage. Each track is a journey unto itself, weaving an illuminated, brightly colored experience, listening not to pass the time but to reshape it.

“Lonely Years” kicks off the album with an exploration of loose, free-form sounds, while “Leaving Franklin” adds a sense of urgency. Things really take off with “Play It as It Lays,” with its spacey, sci-fi driving synth patterns. “Pacific Calm” gracefully concludes the record, with its hypnotic, droning, gliding reverberation. Truly an immersive listening experience.

Out October 30th on Jean Sandwich Records. Buy it here.