photo by Bulbbrain Creative
Chicago-based instrumental avant-jazz fusion trio SONS OF RA will independently release their compelling new Tropic Of Cancer EP on April 19th, today posting its cover art, track listing, preorders, and a video for the third movement of the record.
Hailing from the underground scene of Chicago, the eclectic SONS OF RA ensemble draws inspiration from avantgarde music, classic jazz fusion with post-progressive sensibilities, infusing their compositionS with cosmic vibrations and experimental fervor. As demonstrated on their 2020-released Cognitive debut EP, and through live performances alongside such artists as Stu Hamm, Sonar, Chester Thompson & Alphonso Johnson, and Consider The Source, drummer Michael Rataj (Arbogast, Mine Collapse) lays an energetic and ever-shifting rhythmic framework for tenor saxophonist/bassist Keith Wakefield (Jan King & Medicine Ball) and guitarist Erik Oldman (Mare Crisium) to weave angular, contrapuntal melodies with ethereal textures augmented by loops and synthesizer explorations. More than a band, they are sonic sorcerers, weaving spells of experimental brilliance that transcend the boundaries of traditional genres.
The trio now returns with Tropic Of Cancer, a six-part suite that further showcases the sprawling SONS OF RA sound. Tropic Of Cancer is an immersive and transformative listen, the EP covering an incredibly vast expanse of auditory territory within its twenty-three-minute lifespan. Several guests contribute performances to the record, with violin by Jessica Billey, pipa by Quentin Dover, and flute by Isaiah Sanderman further expanding its sonic scope. Tropic Of Cancer was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Spenser Morris at Palisade Studios with additional recording by Eric McWhorter at Maynott Studios – both in Chicago – with photography by Josh Dagenais and artwork and layout by Erik Vecchione.
The first of several singles previewing the EP comes in the form of “Tropic Of Cancer Part III,” through a video produced by Mike Rataj/Bulbbrain Creative.
The band offers, “This section from Tropic Of Cancer showcases a few different aspects of the evolution of our sound over the last four years. We’ve expanded our instrumentation and range as performers by adding in tenor saxophone, synthesizers and being able to layer things with looping live. What the listener is hearing here as a final form was the result of performing the piece on road for years after the initial writing was completed. The layers, textures, and dynamics are all things we worked as reactions to part of performing it live. We’ve also incorporated more of our influences from the jazz and soul idioms with this particular section.”
Watch the video for SONS OF RA’s “Tropic Of Cancer Part III” HERE and stream the song at Bandcamp HERE.
SONS OF RA will self-release Tropic Of Cancer on 12” vinyl, CD, and digitally on April 19th. Preorders for all formats and merch are now available HERE, and digital presaves can be found HERE.
Tropic Of Cancer Track Listing:
1. Tropic Of Cancer I
2. Tropic Of Cancer II
3. Tropic Of Cancer III
4. Tropic Of Cancer IV
5. Tropic Of Cancer V
6. Tropic Of Cancer VI
Watch for additional videos from the EP to be issued over the weeks ahead. SONS OF RA will also release their debut LP later this year.
SONS OF RA is booking an array of live performances and other events throughout the Midwest surrounding the release of the EP, including a hometown listening party with the Chicago Metal Factory on March 6th, a kickoff show featuring guests musicians from the EP on March 17th, a release show for the EP April 20th, and a run of shows in Minnesota and Wisconsin in March. Additional Spring shows, a Fall tour, and more are also in the planning stages. See all confirmed shows below and watch for further updates to post.
SONS OF RA Live Events:
3/06/2024 Cobra Lounge – Chicago, IL *EP listening party/DJ night
3/17/2024 Reggies – Chicago, IL w/ Lower Automation, Graphics, Life Of Yum Yum
3/21/2024 TBA
3/22/2024 ROK Bar – St. Paul, MN w/ Jojo Green, Lulu & The Shoe, Cannakiss
3/23/2024 301’s Spring Showcast @ Crucible Madison – Madison, WI w/ The Unnecessary Gunpoint Lecture, Knifeback, more
4/20/2024 Liars Club – Chicago, IL *EP release show w/ We Killed The Lion, Human Trials, Dead Languages
SONS OF RA:
Erik Oldman – guitar, bass, synth
Keith Wakefield – bass, tenor saxophone, synth
Michael Rataj – drums
photo by Andrew Rothmund
http://linktr.ee/sonsofra
https://www.instagram.com/sonsofra2014
https://www.facebook.com/pg/sonsofrachicago
https://sonsofra.bandcamp.com