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Donny McCaslin: Lullaby for the Lost
ByDonny McCaslin
saxophone, tenorb.1966

David Bowie
vocals1947 - 2016
Since then, McCaslin's brand of innovative, contemporary jazz fusion has continued breaking through barriers to define a distinctive sound that draws on electronica, rock, and sophisticated production techniques. He is supported in this endeavor by a rotating cast of musicians, including key Blackstar personnel keyboardist

Jason Lindner
keyboards
Tim Lefebvre
bassb.1968

Ben Monder
guitarb.1962

Jonathan Maron
bass, electric
Zach Danziger
drums
Nate Wood
drumsb.1979
McCaslin channels the raw energy of live performance to focus deep-seated power throughout the album. As he explains, "The balance of expressing passion, anger, and the wonder of beauty, while striving for oneness with the band has led to this moment." One inspiration for this approach was

Neil Young
guitarb.1945
That edgy inventiveness flows through the album. "Solace" has a great sense of dynamics as McCaslin's sax melody flies over the soulful groove before changing pace as his improvisation is brought to the top of the mix before building back up to a wall of sound to close. Co- composed with Lefebvre and Lindner and with a nod to

Weather Report
band / ensemble / orchestra"Stately" and "Mercy" demonstrate that amid the high-octane approach, there are moments of subtlety and understatement that provide contrast to the drama, much of which emerges from the skillful studio integration of electronic effects and delays. The unease that builds slowly in the title track serves as a precursor to McCaslin's terrific solo, where Monder's guitar weaves intricate patterns around the saxophone, evolving from a steady pulse to full takeoff. In sharp contrast, "Kid" showcases echoing saxophone effects and a distinct 1980s vibe as the band shifts to a trio format, with Lefebvre providing synthesizers, electric guitar and bass.
This album stands out immediately through its fusion of studio precision, high-energy raw performances and sophisticated improvisation. "I don't think I've ever been happier with how a record turned out than this one," McCaslin reflects, "It's meaningful, it's urgent, and it's me." The hard-hitting rock influences have indeed yielded emotionally expressive compositions that the band conveys with both conviction and muscularity. Never one to shy away from breaking down musical barriers, McCaslin and his bandmates often visit uncharted territory as they craft something fresh and vibrant from their progressive expression of jazz, rock and contemporary electronica. ">
Track Listing
Wasteland; Solace; Stately; Blond Crush; Celestial; Tokyo Game Show; Lullaby for the Lost; Kid; Mercy.
Personnel
Donny McCaslin
saxophone, tenorJason Lindner
keyboardsBen Monder
guitarTim Lefebvre
bassZach Danziger
drumsJonathan Maron
bass, electricNate Wood
drumsRyan Dahle
guitarMark Guiliana
drumsAdditional Instrumentation
Jason Lindner: synthesizer (1-6,9), electric piano (1,2,5), acoustic piano (2,9); Ben Monder: guitar (1,3,4,7,9); Tim Lefebvre: electric bass 1,4,5,6,9), electric guitar (1,2,4,5,6); synthesizer (2,4,5,6,9), synth bass (7); Zach Danziger: drums (1,4,5,7,9); Jonathon Maron: bass (2,3); Nate Wood: drums (2,3,6); Ryan Dahle: guitar (4); Mark Guiliana: deums(8).
Album information
Title: Lullaby for the Lost | Year Released: 2025 | Record Label: Edition Records
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