Steven Lugerner - SLUGish Ensemble: In Solitude (2023)

..In Solitude builds on the “spirit of the slug” (as Lugerner calls it) first captured on the 2018 studio debut An Eight Out Of Nine, which featured instrumental covers of downtempo headbangers from Lugerner’s favorite indie bands. Five years later, SLUGish Ensemble centers more around Lugerner’s own voice – as a composer, as well as a bass clarinettist – but still leaves plenty of space for the talented ensemble to shine (despite the title, the recording session truly feels like the reunion that it was). Lugerner cites inspirations ranging from Steve Reich’s large ensemble works of the 1970s (Music for Mallet Instruments, Music for 18 Musicians, Variations for Winds) as well as what he calls “heavy West Coast-sounding hardcore-mathy-alt-rock.” He is speaking of bands such as Covet, CHON and his personal favorite, Floral (whom Lugerner saw live at SF’s iconic Bottom Of The Hill in March 2020, a week before shelter in place took effect).

What comes out on the other side is a cathartic body of music that’ll have jazz heads and indie-rockers alike bobbing their heads, always guessing what comes next. In Solitude is a roadmap – of SLUGish Ensemble’s range and slow and steady growth, of an all-too-relatable pandemic experience, and one of San Francisco’s treasured, off-the-beaten path neighborhoods.