Kyle Nasser - Persistent Fancy (2019) [Hi-Res]

My debut album as a leader, Restive Soul, was released in March of 2015. It featured a lot of long-form compositions with a contrapuntal weave of voices. I wanted to expand on that concept both timbrally and melodically with this new album, so I added alto sax and some synth textures to the mix when composing new material. I also wanted to explore the concept of the “suite” - multiple tracks related by a common theme. So, I included two suites on Persistent Fancy, one an updated version of the classic “prelude and fugue” combo with the addition of an improv section on those themes, the other a programmatic tryptic on the stages of desire. Finally, I wanted to include a couple of feel-good tracks, heretofore lacking in my compositional oeuvre.

I was fortunate in the year leading up to the recording to play a bunch around NYC with the band featured on the record. After a few gigs where the aesthetic I’d imagined really came to life, I knew it was time to head into the studio. The two days of recording went swimmingly. We needed no more than two takes of everything, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’m very fortunate to play with these musicians as they were able to realize my intentions quickly without much in the way of explanation, making my life much easier! The group has an interesting mix of musical personalities, but everyone complements each other very nicely...and shreds!

It is worth mentioning that bassist Nick Jost is in the Grammy-nominated metal band Baroness. It’s pretty cool that he’s such an adept jazz player, as well. Altoist Roman Filiu currently plays in the bands of 3 MacArthur Genius Grant recipients (Steve Coleman, Miguel Zenon, Dafnis Prieto) and a Pulitzer winner (Henry Threadgill) as well as having toured with Chucho Valdes and Irakere for a decade. Allan Mednard plays with everyone - one of the most in-demand drummers in the jazz world.

Tracklist:
01. Kyle Nasser - Split Gut
02. Kyle Nasser - Arrival
03. Kyle Nasser - The Ascent of Henry Monmouth
04. Kyle Nasser - Persistent Fancy
05. Kyle Nasser - Baroque Suite I Prelude
06. Kyle Nasser - Baroque Suire II Fugue
07. Kyle Nasser - Baroque Suite III Improv
08. Kyle Nasser - Sticky Hipster
09. Kyle Nasser - Eros Suite I Prelude
10. Kyle Nasser - Eros Suite II Desire
11. Kyle Nasser - Eros Suite III Postlude to Desire
12. Kyle Nasser - 3-Way
13. Kyle Nasser - Arioso
14. Kyle Nasser - Coffee and Cannabis