There’s a certain dissonance inherent in the notion of the American Dream—it promotes a unified ideal for a nation that feels increasingly divided. Yet there remains a fundamental hopefulness in the face of this discord; a belief that we really are all working toward the same promise of freedom and prosperity.
The paradoxical nature of this national ethos in our current socio-economic era inspired Bearthoven’s new album American Dream. The trio—comprised of pianist Karl Larson, bassist Pat Swoboda, and percussionist Matt Evans—performs three works by Scott Wollschleger that explore different aspects of the American experience: moments of true beauty and lofty idealism balanced against moments of impending crisis and despair.
We’re thrilled to premiere this brand new video for an excerpt from the album’s title track, a trio scored for piano, double bass, pitch pipes, and percussion instruments ranging from vibraphone to water crotales and vibrators. Weaving together broken melodies, competing grooves, and the pervasive white noise of everyday life, Wollschleger reflects on the modern day role of the American Dream—in all its beautiful dissonance.
Bearthoven’s American Dream is out Feb. 8 on Cantaloupe Music. Click here to learn more.