Friday, February 16, 2018

Peripheral Vision - More Songs About Error and Shame (2018)


JUNO-nominated Canadian jazz quartet, Peripheral Vision launches their fourth album, More Songs About Error And Shame. "A rules-breaking quartet made up of some of the best modern players around" (CBC), Peripheral Vision extends their no-holds-barred performance aesthetic into the production concept on this album. Once again, they have teamed up with mad-scientist engineer, Jean Martin (Barnyard Records) to orchestrate a bigger sound for the record, adding layers of overdubs and studio treatments to the live-off-the-floor recordings. Peripheral Vision has always been a live show band, and the seven new Herring and Scott originals on More Songs About Error And Shame show what can be gained from years of touring, including three recent tours throughout Europe as well as many trips across Canada.


Co-leaders Michael Herring (bass) and Don Scott (guitar) delve into their own neurotic psyches, finding inspiration not only in music, but also in art, literature and standup comedy. The album title is a reference to the iconic album by famously neurotic band, Talking Heads, and this cross genre nod is indicative of how they like to mix genres and themes, blending classic and modern jazz, the rock music of their youth, and non-musical influences such as the Catalonian artist Miró, and British comedian Stewart Lee. 

This is a working band with a long-time rapport - Herring and Scott have been joined by drummer Nick Fraser and tenor saxophonist Trevor Hogg since the band’s inception in 2008. Peripheral Vision is fuelled by this long-time musical friendship, bringing years of tour van talks about music and life to the stage and studio, and this dynamic group interaction creates the provocative sound of More Songs About Error And Shame.

1. The Blunder 08:02
2. Syntax Error 07:40
3. "And the metaphysical concept of shame." 07:46
4. Portrait of a Man in a Late Nineteenth-Century Frame 05:57
5. Chubby Cello 06:19
6. Mycelium Running 07:25
7. Click Bait 09:31

The recording was made possible through a grant from the Ontario Arts Council 

Produced by Michael Herring and Don Scott with Jean Martin 
Recorded at Canterbury Studios by Jeremy Darby 
Mixing & Additional Recording at the Farm by Jean Martin 
Mastered by Fedge 
Art & Design by Howie Shia & Leo Shia 
© 2018 Don Scott & Michael Herring (SOCAN)