SPENCER ZAHN

“Live at Unheard” documents three unique modular chamber groups the composer Spencer Zahn assembled and led throughout 2023. Produced, recorded, and released by Pique-nique, it compiles live recordings from Unheard, an exploratory music series focused on collaborative improvisation.

Each of the three performances featured a unique lineup of multi-instrumentalists, including renowned improvisers like Alfredo Colón, Kirk Schoenherr, Mauro Refosco, Morgan Guerin, Savannah Harris, Stuart Bogie, and Will Shore. Over two expansive sets, the ensembles drew from a wide range of influences – 70s spiritual jazz, 80s fusion, 90s ambient electronics – coalescing into a singular sound world that exists somewhere in the transdimensional space between Alice Coltrane and Brian Eno.

From hushed intimations of nascent ideas to ten-minute bliss-outs, “Live at Unheard” documents the act of creation itself – when freedom takes form and sound takes shape.

Tracklist:
Ice Cream in Lisbon 0:04:48
Hike in JPL 0:07:58
Fruitland 0:04:56
Ballad of Saxophones 0:03:44
One for Mick 0:07:14
SL500 0:07:14
Nights in February 0:04:42
Tide Pools 0:03:08
Beach Cruiser Breakbeat 0:05:20
Thank You (This Is Our Last Song) 0:10:36

Mixed by Spencer Zahn
Engineered by Vincent Brunetto
Mastered by Shawn Hatfield
Designed by Clara Ongil

Recorded at Light And Sound Design (Brooklyn, New York)
2024 . Pique-nique Recordings . New York City

Personnel:

Stuart Bogie // flute, tenor saxophone
Alfredo Colon // alto saxophone, EWI
Morgan Guerin // drums, tenor saxophone
Savannah Harris // drums
Mauro Refosco // percussion
Kirk Schoenherr // guitar
Will Shore // vibraphone, percussion
Spencer Zahn // bass, keyboards, synthesizers

Bio & Artistic Statement
2023 marked a period of transition and exploration for me. After nearly seventeen years in New York, I moved to Los Angeles. This was an exciting period, meeting new musicians and bridging connections between them and my longtime friends and collaborators on both coasts.

Despite spending most of my time on the West Coast, I was honored to be the artist-in-residence for the inaugural year of Unheard, a new improvised music series in Brooklyn. Sam Ngahane and Jared Proudfoot of Pique-nique Recordings curated the series and tasked me with organizing three unique groups of musicians throughout the year.

The first group gathered in March, featuring Morgan Guerin and Stuart Bogie. The second, in July, included Mauro Refosco and Will Shore. The third, in October, brought together Savannah Harris, Alfredo Colon, and Kirk Schoenherr. These collaborations were new, and I was deeply curious about the musical paths each group would take.

We embraced spontaneity: no rehearsals, no set plans. Fully improvised music. For me, one of the most exciting things about making music is finding the space that each musician creates and fills naturally. This type of improvised performance leads to compositions that happen in the moment. Each ensemble finds its rhythmic voice, harmonic centers, and emotional space by listening to each other.

Arriving at a loft in Greenpoint at 3pm, we would sound check quickly and then have an early dinner, intentionally not talking about the evening’s music. Later, we returned to the venue to perform two sets, each lasting 45-50 minutes, for an audience of roughly 70 people.

Vincent Brunetto recorded each night’s performance. Afterwards, he sent me the recordings, which I sifted through to edit and mix my favorite moments.

The result is a compilation that captures a vivid snapshot of these three nights in ten songs, titled “Live at Unheard”.

These concerts were a significant part of my musical life last year. The community of music lovers and supporters that Jared and Sam have nurtured is truly amazing. I am fortunate to work with and be friends with musicians who provide endless inspiration and true joy in my life.