Recording: the rest

Artist: the rest

Song: The Outside [compser: Jonanthan Kay]

Recorded at Wenona Lodge (Track Could Bend #116), March 5, 2026.

the rest - The Outside

This duo of Joe Sorbara (percussion) and Jonathan Kay (saxophones) has been exploring some sonomadic sounds together for a little while now — and like on their recording, exploring pieces by Jimmy Lyons, Ornette Coleman, and Marilyn Crispell — as well as their own compositions. There's some determined leaning into the material, but also a lot of spontaneous joy as well.

You can check out the full set over on youtube:

[Track Could Bend is back at Wenona on Tuesday (June 2nd) with sets from saucering [Tilman Lewis/Nilan Perera/Laura Swankey] as well as Colin Fisher/William Hunt/Jack Johnson/Cal Adam.]

Recording: The Clearing

Artist: The Clearing

Song: [excerpt, in two parts]

Recorded at Annette Studios (Sonomadic Improv presents), April 12, 2026.

The Clearing - [excerpt, part 1]

The Clearing - [excerpt, part 2]

Sonomadic Music is an initiative from Kayla Milmine and Jonathan Kay to support artists and audiences with chances for joyful, focused listening. Their live series has had several shows in Annette Studios, which allows for some pro-level documentation. This group was originally conceived as a vehicle for Sam Newsome to perform with some local improvisers, but has evolved into its own standalone unit for thoise acolytes. Like Newsome, Kayle Milmine is a deep student of the soprano sax, which is a featured instrument here, for both herself and Jonathan Kay. The latter also deployed the baritone as well as some flute; Milmine continued her explorations of the sopranino sax, while both also shared a selection of bells, shells and other percussive implements. Providing a structure to the whole thing was Marilyn Lerner on piano and Nick Fraser on drumkit.

[You can keep an eye out for further Sonomadic Improv events at their instagram — and hear some past sessions over on bandcamp.]