Ghost-Note - Swagism (ROPEADOPE RECORDS 2018)

We are eternally grateful for the creative energy that Robert Sput Searight puts into the world, and we are honored by his presence here at Ropeadope and with his label RSVP Records. yet it is his collaborative work with Percussionist Nate Werth that intrigues us beyond all. Ghost-Note is their project together, and it begins with two drummers finding a rhythm on stage and in life. Unique in history, Ghost-Note builds from this core with no specific destination, and expands outward - adding melody and accents as it adds serious players who bring new flavor to the band. It is a fascinating process, and it is moving forward with accelerating power.

What does that mean? It means that the next Ghost-Note record is a powerhouse of musical exploration that eclipses their debut, with a core band of  Anthony ‘AJ’ Brown, Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka II (Sly 5th Ave), Dywane “MonoNeon” Thomas Jr, Jonathan Mones, Michael Jelani Brooks, and Xavier Taplin - and a dizzying array of guests including Kamasi Washington, Karl Denson, Raja Kassis, Prudence the Auset Sneed, Brandon ‘Taz’ Neiderauer, Nigel Hall, Bob Lanzetti, Alvin Ford Jr, Jay Jennings, Nick Werth, Bobby Ray Sparks, Phil Lassiter, and Michael Palmer. There's plenty more to say, but we'll just let that sink in for a moment. Drop in here for the title track.