Tree Ark - Tree Ark II (2025) [Hi-Res]

Tree Ark had barely celebrated our first official release then we returned to Woodshed to record a follow up. The iron felt pretty hot and we developed a way of working as a trio that seems unique to us as a collective. We approach the work as free improvisers, playing often with little or no pre-preparation, just letting the moment flow and determine the results. And yet, because we think compositionally, and are committed to deep listening, the results often sound like there is a high degree of pre-planning.

For this album we worked with a particular challenge. I started developing hand and forearm problems, particularly in my left hand. At the time we recorded I’d been struggling for some time with arthritis in my fingers and had just developed an elbow problem as well. As a result the sort of go-for-broke free-jazz freak out that I can get into felt a bit beyond me. So this album has a bigger focus on lyricism. This has allowed for a gentler album than Tree Ark 1, and a lot more space for Tom and Phil to join in a coequal partnership. The three way conversation is our aim in all of our recordings and this one comes as close as we have gotten. Just listen to the beautiful bass bow work on Seventh Seal, or his incredible lyrical melodies in Dakota. Listen to Tom converse with me in Maquam or his incredible polyrhythmic work in Port Authority.

We are excited to bring this music to you. We feel it’s a major addition to the Unseen Rain catalogue and we hope you enjoy listening.

Chris Forbes - piano
Phil Sirois - double-bass
Tom Cabrera - drums