Scanner (British artist Robin Rimbaud) and Neil Leonard have consistently explored the possibilities of blending the past and present to create new sonic worlds. The Berklee Sessions documents the culmination of their collaborative efforts. While the session itself took place over a single day, it remarkably took a decade to mix and release. The result is a psych-rock experience infused with an electronic spirit, spiraling into thunderous rhythms, blistering solos, ethereal melodies, and sampled voices—all delivered with exuberant playing and focused improvisation.
Joined by David Tronzo on electric slide guitar (known for his work with David Sanborn, John Cale, The Lounge Lizards, Sex Mob, and Wayne Horvitz), Mike Rivard on bass (Cab Calloway, Frank Zappa, Morphine, Jon Brion), and Dean Johnston on drums (Superhoney, Club d'Elf), the ensemble propelled the music into entirely fresh and dynamic territory. This Bandcamp release includes a version of Time Code performed by legendary American musician Richard Devine and Neil Leonard live at Berklee Performance Center in Boston in 2014.
Robin Rimbaud - Electronics, shortwave radio, keyboards
Neil Leonard - Soprano and alto saxophones, bass clarinet, and live electronics
David Tronzo - Electric (slide) guitar
Mike Rivard - Bass
Dean Johnston - Drums
Recorded live on 9 March 2014
“It hits the kind of openended all-consuming groove to be found in The Necks, Tortoise or Miles Davis in modal mode: pulsating, circling jazz patterns, bass bubbling through ring modulation and envelope filters, sax and slide guitar, with Rimbaud’s shortwave radio and electronics dusting through the gaps”
The Wire Magazine
“The album provides a powerful document of the idea that music is a living, breathing force of nature and as an ever-evolving possibility. The interplay with between the electronics, punctuating drums, bass, and horns delights in newfound measure. From the night-time atmosphere of grainy cinema or the nostalgic whisper of words to the more colourful excess of psychedelia, to the edge or life-affirming all points are referenced, touched upon, and then exercised.”
Magazine Sixty
“The best psychedelic rock album I’ve heard in years, with a sublime edge. I can’t stop listening, bloody brilliant!”
Steven Stapleton (Nurse with Wound)
Thanks to everyone for your support of independent music!
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