Arc by Xander Naylor

Brooklyn guitarist Xander Naylor has consistently proven to defy genres. Spinning through a diverse set of scenes, he has found homes in free improv, indie rock, experimental jazz, and North Indian classical music. Equally drawing elements from noise, rock, eastern rhythms, and sound collage, his latest solo album, Arc, creates a stimulating mash-up that is both startling and comforting in today's tumultuous world.

"This album is a release. A literal release of emotions that I've carried since my father passed away nearly five years ago. The music was written on a hillside in Vermont in the month after his passing while I was trying to understand my place in a world without him. I polished the music later in a high rise in Brooklyn after waking up one day and realizing I needed to put this out in the world. There are a lot of elements at play." This is the summation of the creative process for Xander Naylor, cultural explorer of the guitar.

For the mixing process, Naylor enlisted the invaluable help of fellow guitarist and Brooklyn aural wizard Ian Hersey (Rubblebucket) to add depth and contour. Naylor: “He found ways to reveal nuances in the music that I had yet to find. It was the syrup on the pancakes!”

We can immediately grasp this disparity of emotion and polish here on Arc. From the Fred Frith reminiscent, carefully honed extended techniques of "Pinball" and "Ratchet," and the highly stylized Aphex Twin-goes-to-India samples of "Glass House," to the mind-expanding sonics of “Bad For Glass” and ernest yearning of "Hellespont" and "Elegy," (which continent are we on?), this record showcases a multifaceted talent.

"The music is volatile and random - it represents the state of mind of a person dealing with a heavy loss. I hope this music speaks to others who have experienced something similar - shows them that it's possible to carry a soul with you despite their lack of physical presence. Their lessons remain."

On August 13, 2017, Naylor will perform solo at a weekly series, Fire Music at the Legion Bar, in Brooklyn, NY, 8pm. On August 24, the Xander Naylor Group will embark on a northeast tour including Burlington, VT, Saratoga Springs, NY, and Montreal, QC.

Xander Naylor is an American guitarist and composer who has become known for a style unparalleled in his generation.
What Rolling Stone describes as “that signature Naylor sound.” Appearances include Montreal Jazz Festival, Umbria Jazz Festival, Central Park Summerstage, Lincoln Center, Perelman PAC. He tours with his bands as well as with Mwenso and the Shakes and The Sound of (Black) Music.

xandernaylor.com