Over the last couple of years, the Chicago-based collective Black Monument Ensemble, led by visual/sound artist, and producer Damon Locks have released some of the most powerful and forward-thinking music. Their 2019 debut, Where Future Unfolds was arguably the best album to come out that year, and last year, the group put out the timely and very much needed uplifting track “Stay Beautiful”. Locks and the stellar ensemble have returned to release an absolutely brilliant new sophomore record on International Anthem, titled NOW.

This incredible new six-track album was recorded at end of the Summer 2020, following a string of extremely challenging months due to a global pandemic, social unrest, ongoing violence in the streets, and a toxic political climate. Set up safely in the garden behind Chicago’s Experimental Sound Studio, the group recorded the music in only a few takes, capturing the first time members of the group ever even played or sang the tracks. Musically, the session builds on the foundation that was established on Where Future Unfolds, fusing together electronic beats and samples with spiritual jazz textures, adventurous horn solos, driving percussion rhythms, and soulful vocal melodies. At times, it almost sounds like a wild cosmic blend of Sun Ra meets Max Roach’s We Insist! Freedom Now Suite with a touch of Flying Lotus, all with it’s own unique original twist. The powerful messages at the forefront of the music is just as important, as the group explores “The Black Nod” which, Lock explains, as “an unspoken acknowledgment that happens often out in the world – a sort of ‘I see you’ moment exchanged between Black people.” 

Backing Locks on this session is an absolutely superb cast of musicians, including Angel Bat Dawid on clarinet, Ben LaMar Gay on cornet and melodica, Dana Hall on drums, and Arif Smith on additional percussion. The recording also includes a great chorus featuring Phillip Armstrong, Monique Golding, Tramaine Parker, Richie Parks, Erica Rene, and Eric Tre’von.

Overall, this album is remarkable from start to finish, capturing a spiritual session in which you can hear and feel the outpouring of heartfelt emotion from each musician through their playing and singing. Through the joy and desire of creating art again as a collective, Damon Locks and the Black Monument Ensemble have produced another masterpiece. Out now digitally, and scheduled to be released on vinyl on July 9th, there is no doubt that Now is one of the year’s best albums. Highly recommended!

Damon Locks & Black Monument Ensemble — ‘NOW’
(International Anthem)

1. Now (Forever Momentary Space)
2. The People vs The Rest of Us
3. Keep Your Mind Free
4. Barbara Jones-Hogu and Elizabeth Catlett Discuss Liberation
5. Movement And You
6. The Body Is Electric

BUY RECORD

• Jazz
• Spiritual Jazz