James Armstrong & Keshav Batish - Fractured Elisions (2022) Hi Res

James and I, some months ago, came together to discuss our love of luminary musicians Andrew Hill and Masabumi Kikuchi. A few meetings later, James suggested we take our ideas into the studio, as music begun to appear from concepts emerging in the ongoing conversation. This record captures unrehearsed moments, begun at a mutual glance and ended at a point of ethereal union, facilitated by trust.

Years prior, I met James at one of my father’s concerts. I remember his heartfelt remarks on connection through listening and mutual attention. I find myself lucky to collaborate with him, as his commitment to the craft is indelible and infectious. An oral historian of the Bay Area creative music scene and beyond, every time we meet I learn something new.

Our thanks to Doug Pohorski for creating a welcoming environment, sonically and psychically, for us to inhabit. It never ceases to amaze me how the universe brings people together at a necessary moment. We are lucky to have each other—so with much peace and reverence, I welcome you, the listener, to our world.