When Mountains Speak is the creative vehicle of multi-instrumentalist composer, and producer Steven Clarkson. He has spent the better part of the last five decades playing music in a long list of musical projects. For the past five years he has made his mark as a live mandolinist in the red-hot Austin, TX music scene. In 2020 Steven launched a new collaborative avant-garde jazz and psychedelic rock recording project, When Mountains Speak.
The prolific producer has released a remarkable volume of work since When Mountains Speak debuted, including two dozen albums and a string of EPs & singles. It is an extensive library of intergalactic musical journeys inspired by the likes of Jerry Garcia and John Coltrane. Regular readers of The Static Dive will remember the albums Old Fades to New, Skipping the Divide, and Solitude.
Center of Infinity is the brand new LP from When Mountains Speak, released worldwide via all major streaming services on July 19, 2024. Clarkson’s sound is defined by improvisation. On an array of instruments both analog and electronic, he and his like-minded cohorts create genre-defying sonic experimentations.
The new record continues the organic exploration of Steven’s largely solo album Solitude, released earlier this year. From the bass guitar and percussion jams of “The Four Elements” to the cinematic stoner vibes of “Kermit with a Dime Bag”, Center of Infinity explores the outer limits of the mind without much digital assistance.
Acid-rock guitar meets abstract ambience on the 13-minute psychedelic epic “Spirits of Gold”. Shortly thereafter, the title track takes that groove further into space. “Peace is Free” is a mellow freeform jazz vibe featuring Steven Clarkson accompanying himself on both lead saxophone and mandolin. “Projection White” takes a more percussive approach, pairing quirky piano arpeggios & sax leads over a hybrid analog/electronic beat. “Earth” is a downtempo jam that sets a cool mood for the album closer.
Check out Center of Infinity in its entirety below, or listen on your favorite streaming service. You can also hear the song “Earth” on the Deep Dive : Jazz & Classical playlist. Follow the links below to connect with When Mountains Speak.