Jan Esbra - Suspended In A Breath (Phantom Limb)

If only more jazz musicians made ambient music. Travel listening tips. Is anyone a graphic designer?

A Few Brief Thoughts

So full disclosure, Jan Esbra and his old mate Greg Dallas released an LP on TSMM’s record label last year, but even so his new solo material would still have made the blog, it’s genuinely wonderful.

Jan is a Colombia born, New York based jazz guitarist with a horizon gazing rather than rear view mirror eyeing spirit - no Kenny Burrell tribute act here. A few years ago he started dabbling with electronic production, eschewing painstaking DAW programming and layering; preferring to channel his guitar and hard won chops through source disguising effects and see where the force takes him.

On his new LP, solo guitar, drum machine and Organelle are his instruments of choice, although good luck in identifying which is which when listening. The recordings have their origins in early ‘23 when Jan was undergoing an intense period of reflection and using ambient improvisation as an aid. I’m guessing he wasn’t on a mission to exorcise any deep rooted angst as the sonic textures are soft edged and comforting in nature. The whole recording is bathed in a low dose psilocybin serenity, his newly unearthed cerebral landscape watered by alien aquatics and its subterranean passageways teaming with warm electrical impulses.

If you’re struggling to come to terms with your fading tan, the school run, and autumnal work schedule this LP probably won’t help, but if you need some ambient escapism then you’re in good hands.

And yes you should go and check Confluence, it’s a criminally slept on improvised ambient electronic wonder. The album comprises the duende moments from an intense seven day jam session. Their ten year friendship and finally realised desire to record some music together bore some pretty mind-blowing music.

Playlist Action and Travel Listening Tip.

If you’re feeling the Jan Esbra LP then don’t delay head over to The New Age of New Age Playlist for a longer sound bath. Incidentally this is my go to playlist when I’m flying. Listen through some over ear noise cancelling headphones for best results, it really takes a lot of the stress out of travelling.

Although not cheap by any standards, I picked up a pair of these award winning Sony headphones cheap now they’re superseded by newer, not so different models. Honestly, I can’t recommend them enough.

Graphic Designer Wanted.

I’ve put this to the social media massive with no takers, so thought I’d try the newsletter as I’d prefer to give my money to someone who appreciates TSMM and is hopefully in tune with the project. I’d like to spruce up the logo a bit with a fresh, more vibrant colour scheme and possible a couple of minor embellishments and I need some new business cards. There is money on the table, but saying that I can’t be paying corporate client fees. Is there anyone out there?