Music

Lydian Collective – November

Lydian Collective is not new to Vodka, but I’m not-so-patiently waiting for the follow-up to the absolutely fabulous Adventure LP, named Return, due out in almost exactly one month (May 27, 2022). November (seen/heard here), which is not new compositionally to the band, will finally have a home on an LP, and that is a very good thing indeed! Vodka coined the phrase “joyful jazz” to define the music that Lydian Collective creates. In truth, it is often an amalgam of styles and many popular music genres which makes up their music. Jazz is certainly one of those, but so is funk, orchestral pop, and even a bit of rock. For me, “joyful jazz” works best, because I always feel happier after listening to this music.

November’s journey to appear on an LP has been a long one. Originally written clear back in 2005 by Aaron Wheeler (keyboards) and Todd Baker (guitar) in Aaron’s living room, it has had many transformational edits since that time. The band has performed it many, many times and tweaked it over the years. The track was posted to YouTube early on, where it became an instant hit with listeners but somehow didn’t fit within the thematic elements of Adventure. Fast-forward to 2022, and November will finally have an LP home. The version here won’t be the one that you get on the LP but it is the nature of jazz and instrumental music (for that matter: all music) to become a different version of itself when performed live. Many of the tracks on Return have been released in some form or another during the run-up to the LP, and some tracks were released soon after Adventure. Those releases have proven to be the sort of excellent material you would expect from the band.

Lydian Collective
Lydian Collective

You can find more information on Lydian Collective by heading up to their website. Consider a pre-order of Return (Vodka has his purchased!) in CD or Vinyl formats or bundled to include both by heading to their Digger pre-order (account creation required). While you’re at it, if you missed out on purchasing Adventure, pick it up at the same time. The band’s website is nicely laid out, with all of the links you might require including social, streaming, biography, music, and store links. 

Pick up some music that will have you feeling good every time you listen to it. Pick up some joyful jazz from Lydian Collective now and watch for the release of Return soon!

Update: The release date for Return has now been pushed to September, but go ahead and pre-order now!

Note: There is a reason to be cautiously optimistic about the trajectory of the COVID 19 virus. We’ve been here before and were turned back by the variants. Even with things improving, artists such as Lydian Collective could still use your purchases. If your situation allows it, consider purchasing more in these tough times.  Please, if you are physically able to do so, get vaccinated. — Vodka