Kalia Vandever - "Staring at the Cracked Window"

Photo by Bianca Garza

I always feel highly self-conscious writing about jazz, like I'm extremely unqualified (which I am). But every so often I find a song I feel the need to bring to you all, and one of those is the latest from Kalia Vandever. The trombonist and composer recently released "Staring at the Cracked Window," a fantastic musical exploration that is eight and a half minutes of some of the most intriguing music released this year. What's so great about this new single is how much broad appeal it could have, which is rare with both jazz and experimental music. If you love classic artists like Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie, there's a lot here for you. If you prefer more rock based experimental artists like Sonic Youth or Frank Zappa, you're also going to love "Staring at the Cracked Window." It sounds both composed and improvised, and while it's certainly not the style of jazz you'd find in a dentist's office, there is something soothing about Vandever's composition (at times).

Kalia Vandever says of her latest single and upcoming album:

"The first single and introduction to the album, Staring At The Cracked Window was written with resilience in mind, specifically the will to break free from a harmful cycle. The character of this piece is hopeful, yet emerging from a darkness that evolves throughout the album. I was drawing from cyclical patterns while writing the music on Another View and imagining the gradual dissolution of these patterns. The album brings you into a fractured dream state and releases you into a renewed sense of reality."

You can listen to "Staring at the Cracked Window" below. Another View is due out November 14 on Northern Spy, and is available for pre-order through Bandcamp. For more on Kalia Vandever, check out the artist's website.