Outland

Bill Laswell, the renowned producer and bassist, presents "Outland," a sprawling, genre-defying album that seamlessly blends free jazz, dub, and avant-garde elements into a cohesive sonic journey. Released on Cold Spring on October 13, 2023, this ambitious project spans an impressive 5 hours and 23 minutes, offering a vast landscape of sound for the discerning listener.

"Outland" is divided into six distinct sections, each exploring unique sonic territories. The album opens with a twelve-part suite, "From The Earth To The Ceiling," showcasing Laswell's mastery of atmospheric soundscapes and intricate compositions. The second section, "African Virus - Electronic Sonata With A Cold Loved By Nature," delves into the fusion of traditional African rhythms and electronic textures, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of sound.

The third section, "Outland Three," presents a quartet of tracks that highlight Laswell's signature bass work and his ability to blend jazz improvisation with dub production techniques. "Outland Four" continues this exploration, with tracks that range from the hauntingly beautiful "The Old World" to the rhythmic intensity of "East Meets West."

The album's final sections, "Outland Five" and "Outland Six," push the boundaries of experimental music, with tracks like "N-Dimensional" and "Black Land" offering glimpses into the outer reaches of Laswell's sonic universe. Throughout "Outland," Laswell's production prowess and collaborative spirit shine through, making this album a testament to his enduring influence on contemporary music.