Sam Gill’s Coursed Waters - Sensemaker (2025) [Hi-Res]

Sydney-based saxophonist and composer Sam Gill has announced Sensemaker, the sophomore album by his quartet Coursed Waters (Gill, James McLean, Novak Manojlovic, Jacques Emery). The album explores the concept of sense-making in relation to the world and life experiences. The six tracks are characterized by free improvisation, intense melodic counterpoint, multi-layered rhythmic cycles, and "bright" harmony, inspired by Peter Evans and Messiaen. Gill, who is influenced by figures like Steve Lehman and Ingrid Laubrock, aims to create a sound that is complex, innovative, and ordered despite rhythmic ambiguity. Sensemaker marks a shift from earlier works by favoring improvisation over composed forms, including the use of complex polyrhythms within a slow swing feel. The album's creation, despite the geographical separation of the members, highlighted the deep communal bond and shared artistic vision defining Coursed Waters.

Sam Gill - alto & soprano saxophones, compositions
Novak Manojlovic - piano
Jacques Emery - double bass
James McLean - drums & percussion

Tracklist:
1-1 Sam Gill’s Coursed Waters - Scree [6:02]
1-2 Sam Gill’s Coursed Waters - Imminent Liminal [7:04]
1-3 Sam Gill’s Coursed Waters - Abundance [7:53]
1-4 Sam Gill’s Coursed Waters - Warp Thread [6:30]
1-5 Sam Gill’s Coursed Waters - Sensemaker [2:59]
1-6 Sam Gill’s Coursed Waters - Double Down [9:43]