Hillai Govreen - Every Other Now (2025) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

Hillai’s upcoming album, “Every Other Now,” is a collaboration with bassist and composer Ben Meigners, featuring notable names from the NYC music scene, including guitarist Steve Cardenas, drummer Eric McPherson, and percussionist Café Da Silva. The music draws from a broad sonic palette, aiming to forge a distinctive sound. It evokes themes of memory, nostalgia, reflection, and the fluid nature of how we perceive time. Over the past three years, Hillai has developed this music in NYC jazz venues like Ornithology, where she holds a residency. She gained recognition for her innovative approach, experimenting with various rhythms, harmonies, and ensemble configurations before finalizing her current group. Together, they have been performing an expanding repertoire of compositions co-written by Hillai and Ben, as well as compositions of other members of the band.

Something in my heart leapt, the first time I heard this music performed live. I was willing to respond to the new sound right away. I noticed others recognized that "this is new." They sat on the edge ot they seats, all keen on staying with it, giddy with anticipation that something great is about to go down. Listening, you catch a hint, a foreshadow from some 'wild notes,' You hear someone say, “Oh shit, look out now." Then the atmosphere on stage gets heavy, as someone begins to "stretch."

A thread-bare existence, often unavoidable, often deemed the “artist's way” lends uncertainty to life. I myself, am most certainly uncertain, It's common ground for many of us. Uncertainty bring doubt and emotions into the foreground, where, it may become “grist for the mill.” The starving artist archetype is our best emotional check on modern works —"Keeping it real," as they say. T want to feel the "real" when I listen to music, Lacking Soul and spontaneity, being precise and perfectly rational, all the time, is simply "square."

The music presente here is quite "real." It is streetwise and intuitive. It's imagery is fashioned by bare passion and powerful imagination. To musicians, playing standards, though challenging, may become not "real." An original song is like your own child. Interpreting standards is like someone else's kids. You may play with someone else's kids, but, your own, you teach. Your own is an extension of who you are, an expression of your philosophy.

"A lot is lost for the sake of originality, is the most common criticism. But, what if, nothing is lost? What if, honest research was conducted, "like burnin' the midnight oil," "payin' all your dues." Well then, I say, something special is about to happen, so, "get ready," hold on to your hats, 'cause "here it comes."

Tracklist:
01 Abraxas
02 Lost and Found
03 The Day Of
04 The Day After
05 Downhill
06 Something Short
07 Smoke
08 III Wind
09 This Nearly Was Mine


Thanks to the Original customer!