Immerse yourself in the avant-garde soundscape of "God Made My Soul an Ornament," a captivating collaboration between double bassist Damon Smith and multi-instrumentalist Sarah Ruth Alexander. Released on January 1, 2021, under the Balance Point Acoustics label, this album is a testament to the boundless creativity and technical prowess of its creators. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 1 minute, the album comprises nine tracks that seamlessly blend free jazz and avant-garde genres, offering a unique listening experience.
Damon Smith, known for his intense and lyrical style akin to legends like Peter Kowald and Joëlle Léandre, brings his distinctive double bass playing to the forefront. Sarah Ruth Alexander complements him with her versatile use of voice, hammered dulcimer, recorder, slide whistle, and various objects, creating an unusual and intriguing duo. Recorded in 2019, the album showcases their ability to freely improvise, resulting in a collection of pieces that highlight their creative imagination and musical synergy.
Tracks like "My Curiosity the Sister of Skylarks" and "The Perfidious Anxiety of Sunsets the Shy Shrouds of Dawn" exemplify the album's experimental nature, while "Low Sky of Unmoving Clouds" and "A Cosmis Holding of Breath" offer moments of contemplation and introspection. The album's title track, "God Made My Soul an Ornament," serves as a fitting culmination of the duo's artistic exploration.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of free jazz and avant-garde music or a curious newcomer, "God Made My Soul an Ornament" promises an engaging and thought-provoking journey through the realms of improvisational sound. Damon Smith and Sarah Ruth Alexander's collaboration is a must-experience for anyone seeking to expand their musical horizons.
