Wichita has entered the chat. The metropolis 200 miles southwest of Kansas City is rarely recognized as a center of musical innovation. Lowland should move the needle in new music circles.
Recorded in Wichita on December 15, 2023, the album is representative of the elite improvisation currently emanating from Stan Kenton’s hometown. Lowland features bass clarinetist Michael Unruh and was engineered by guitarist David Lord. The pair of Wichita based artists are joined by percussionist Kevin Cheli and Kansas City’s Seth Andrew Davis.
“Combustible” explodes in spectacular new directions after eight shape-shifting minutes. The trepidatious “Basin” resembles the score of a slasher flick while portions of “Mounds” sound like the prog-rock cult heroes Van der Graaf Generator at a Ken Kesey acid test.
The unruly closing track “Flint” is a radio-friendly five minutes long. Even though radio stations in Wichita are unlikely to add it to their rotations, “Flint” is a representative entry point for curious listeners willing to sample the uncommon textures the trio produces.