Buds by Joseph Shabason, Spencer Zahn, Vibrant Matter, Thom Gill

The two tracks featured on Buds are defined by their deliberate pacing and rich textural layering. Shabason, known for his ability to craft expansive sonic landscapes, describes his approach as a conscious departure from his usual rhythmic momentum. "I wanted to experiment with space in how quickly chord changes happened," he explains, aiming to stretch a single chord progression into a mesmerizing five-minute journey. This exploration of temporal elasticity is further enhanced by his focus on "through-composed melodies," born from improvisation and refined through careful editing and ensemble arrangement, featuring Vince Spilchuk on trumpet and intricate H3000 harmonizations.

For Zahn, the EP represents a conscious shift away from his previously defined "classical" sound, a label he feels misrepresents his improvisational jazz sensibilities. "I’m more of an improviser," he states, emphasizing his shared affinity with Shabason's approach. This collaboration, a long-desired project stemming from a friendship that began in 2010, provided the perfect opportunity to explore new sonic territories. "I wanted to leave behind my previous sound of spacious piano/acoustic driven compositions," Zahn explains, embracing the freedom of spontaneous creation.

Buds is a testament to the organic nature of collaboration, capturing the essence of Zahn and Shabason plus long time collaborators Vibrant Matter (Kieran Adams) and Thom Gill finding common ground in a shared love for melody, improvisation, and the subtle art of sonic development. While a full-length album remains a future possibility, this EP serves as a compelling introduction to the unique synergy between Shabason and Zahn and their extended musical community.