Description

Bassist/Composer, Matt Ulery, releases his 16th album leading a potent, high energy quintet with a unique folk dance/post-punk/free jazz ethos; MOTHER HARP – A Bold New Chapter in His Creative Output.  

Release Date: April 24th, 2025 – Woolgathering Records

Chicago, IL – March 8, 2025 – Matt Ulery, the visionary bassist, composer, and bandleader, is releasing his new record, “Mother Harp,” a fearless statement that marks an impressive evolution in his sound. With this bold new release, Ulery expands from some of the conventions of his previous works, embracing a raw, energetic blend of sensibilities that is both deeply inspired and fiercely forward-thinking.

Having written and produced 15 previous albums as a leader since 2008, Ulery has been recognized for his innovative and broad-ranging approaches to new music, exploring possibilities from lush orchestral arrangements to intimate, stripped-back compositions. Recent albums like “Sifting Stars,”  “Become Giant” and “Mannerist” showcases his talent for creating intricate and thought-provoking sonic landscapes with emotionally rich harmonies and intricate time feels. “Mother Harp” signals a radical expansion. This album, straight to the point, unleashes a truly unique sound combining melodic folk-dance and post-punk aesthetics within a free jazz ethos featuring robust, crucial band members, Russ Johnson (trumpet), Artie Black (tenor saxophone and clarinet), Dustin Laurenzi (tenor saxophone and electric guitar!), and Quin Kirchner (drums), and the composer, Ulery, on bass guitar. With resounding grooves, acutely melodic fiery melodies, and an underlying sense of urgency, this is an album that demands movement — both physical and emotional.

Where Ulery’s previous work has often uplifted lush, complex orchestrations, his acoustic bass mostly in a supportive role, “Mother Harp” is marked by its kinetic sense of deliverance and unpredictability with Ulery’s expressive Fender Precision bass guitar playing, along with his long-time collaborator, Quin Kirchner’s fierce drumming, anchoring the driving effervescence of the album and feels like the most exciting, fresh, and audacious release in his catalog to date, a work that feels both refreshing and exhilarating in a way that is truly unlike anything Ulery has done before.  

This newly found sound is a thrilling progression for Ulery and one that pushes his music in a bold, exciting direction. “Mother Harp” is a truly unique contribution to Ulery’s growing body of work, and a release that is sure to captivate both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

“Mother Harp” will be available on all major streaming platforms and as a limited edition compact disc on Woolgathering Records April 24th, 2025.

Track List:

1. The Joy of a Good Gambol | 2:51
2. On Broilers | 4:30
3. Five Pocket | 2:33
4. Bucking The Bull | 3:36
5. Wiper | 5:08
6. Patience Sparks Purpose | 4:20
7. Nightshade | 6:12
8. The Ritz | 2:52
9. Gallus Gallus | 3:09
10. Lessons In Flying | 4:52
11. Great Advantages | 1:35

   

Total: 41:41

www.mattulery.com