A collaborative album from pianist Sam Miller and drummer Matt Badger, Shiprock enamors with a variety of gripping soundscapes. The all-instrumental album impresses in its eclectic tonal range, from serene and airy piano-led dreaminess to brisk jazz-inclined rhythmic intensity. The duo first collaborated via an impromptu jam session in 2010. Now, 15 years later, Shiprock finds them putting forth a strong atmospheric mystique and impressive musicianship throughout the release, which is out via Jenny Invert Records.
A climactic brightness emanates on opening track “Voyage,” where lush piano and jazzy percussive momentum meld with cohesive immersion. The enveloping “Horizon Bound” comes next, bolstering the duo’s compelling piano and percussive interplay with the gorgeous cello work of Lori Goldston. Melodic piano pulses ease into initially subdued cello accompaniments, expanding with cinematic-feeling grandeur as the structure unfolds. A more prancing piano-set elegance traverses into the two-minute turn, attaining an effervescent sense of clarity. A moody, dramatic success, “Horizon Bound” showcases the strong musical chemistry between Miller and Badger — and also their ability to highlight talented collaborators like Goldston, noted for her versatility across a legendary career, spanning from being the touring cellist for Nirvana to acclaimed solo work.
The album’s lead single, “Sunglint” is exemplary of how the Miller-Badger partnership excels in expanding both piano and rhythm-based color and emotion. Illuminated piano tones build with playfully inviting qualities across the first half, as the rhythm section presents a steady overall accompaniment. A stirring evolution takes hold just prior to the two-minute mark, where bouncy bass and more expressive percussion align with the harmonious piano gliding for an impactful enthrallment. “Sunglint” also released alongside a lovely in-session music video, directed by Chris Cunningham.
Another standout, “Hypnagogia” combines stately piano and twinkling additions for what feels like the album’s most introspective effort. The glistening keys find warm embrace in the more subdued rhythm section, while shimmering string-laden emotions run enjoyably at points in the background. The soundscape invokes visions of a blissful spring day, whether within a gently pouring rainfall or basking in a mellow sunshine. The ensuing “Current” moves back into brisker territory; whereas “Hypnagogia” largely emphasized piano, “Current” dazzles in its rhythmic precision. A contagious yet hypnotic energy flows from the ceaseless percussive energy, filling each space with a daytime jazz breeziness.
“Foghorn” is a particularly triumphant-sounding success, again incorporating Goldston’s cello work, now in addition to flugelhorn player Eric Padget. The comforting infusion of brass plays cohesively within a dynamic overall display, ranging from the wistful lushness of piano around mid-point to the first half’s more expansive cello/flugelhorn/rhythm intertwining. Shiprock is a fantastic overall display in songwriting and atmospheric prowess from the talented collaborative duo of Sam Miller and Matt Badger.
