Mode for Titan proves that the bass is a melodic and ambient force in its own right. Writing on — and exclusively for — the bass, Josh Werner explores new dimensions of composition and improvisation, effortlessly moving through varying sonic textures, all without a conventional rhythm section. Producer Bill Laswell helps steer seasoned composer and performer (and abstract painter) Werner through novel instrumental territory, including the sitar bass, seven-string bass and fretless bass. The wide array of influences on Mode for Titan reflects Werner's vast experience and diverse skill set, yet the music maintains an introspective focus and understated minimalist beauty. Laswell's production endows this sonic journey with a vast sense of space, painted in an array of colors as boundless as the producer's own palette.Werner's work with Ghostface Killah, CocoRosie, Lee "Scratch" Perry, Cibo Matto, PopCaan, James Brandon Lewis, Matisyahu and Tunde Adebimpe has cemented this musician, producer and songwriter's status as a low-end heavyweight.

Buy / listen: Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music

Credits

Recorded and mixed at Orange Music

Engineered by James Dellatacoma

Mastered by Michael Fossenkemper at TurtleTone Studios

Artist photo by Bianca Casady

Artwork by Josh Werner

Cover design by Yoko Yamabe at Randesign

M.O.D. Reloaded are Dave Brunelle, Yoko Yamabe

M.O.D. Reloaded © 2021

Brooklyn-based bassist and visual artist Josh Werner was awarded an artist in residence from The Cell Gallery located in New York, NY. As a part of this residency which occurred in the month of July 2020, Josh presented various works in different mediums from visual art to music. In lieu of the 2020 pandemic Josh was unable to present music to a live audience and instead offered a pre-recorded live performance to be aired at a later date.

Werner was able to put together an ensemble of some of the leading improvisors on the New York City scene in that of James Brandon Lewis, Ches Smith and Patrick Holmes. One of the leading jazz pioneers Ornette Coleman once expressed himself by saying, "You know more, but I feel more". During these turbulent times this statement resonates with this ensemble; it's one that embodies the acknowledgement of feelings within your being to then pour into the music being presented.

This ensemble draws from preceding generations of musicians including Don Cherry, Roy Ayers, John Coltrane, Cecil Taylor, Albert Ayler, Tribe Called Quest and the energy of the downtown art rock movement.

Buy / listen: Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music

Credits

James Brandon Lewis – saxophone

Patrick Holmes – clarinet

Ches Smith – drums

Josh Werner – bass

Produced by Josh Werner and James Brandon Lewis

Recorded by Ricardo Romaneiro at The Cell Theater

Mixed by Daniel Schlett at Strange Weather

Mastered by Loius Henry Sermiento II at Sonic Vista Studios

Vinyl cut by Jukka Sarapää at Timmion Cutting

Jacket design by Ilja Tulit

Jacket artwork by Josh Werner

Released and distributed by RR Gems Records © 2021