Joseph's Bones - Nomadic Pulse / Pulse in Dub

Joseph’s Bones
Nomadic Pulse / Pulse in Dub

Release date: 08/19/2022

Slow & Steady Records announces the release of “avant-dub” ensemble Joseph’s Bones new album Nomadic Pulse / Pulse In Dub. Drummer-bandleader Jason Levis first sparked the project with an instrumental re-imagining of Bob Marley’s classic 1978 recording Kaya. But in the years to follow, Joseph’s Bones evolved to become a vibrant collective of dub-loving instrumentalists and composers, who bring influences from contemporary classical, improvised and avant-garde music traditions into the open sonic world of dub.

While “Joseph” is an homage to Bob Marley (following the rastafarian tradition of giving a biblical name to someone of importance to your own life), the “Bones” are simply due to Levis’ own affinity for the trombone, which can emulate the human voice, while also bringing an unexpected and fresh sound palette (and plenty of low end!). “Dub is deep because it can hold any sound, any texture, any harmony, any rhythm,” notes Levis. “There’s nothing it can’t hold – and this is the starting place.” Nomadic Pulse / Pulse In Dub features trombonists Scott Larson, Rob Ewing and Naomi Siegel (the second two being Slow & Steady labelmates), tubist Marc Bolin, guitarists Myles Boisen, John Finkbeiner, and John Schott, bassist Lisa Mezzacappa, and Levis on drums.

The ensemble’s reverence for dub extended into the studio, where every decision was framed around staying true to dub’s roots. The trio of trombones functions similarly to the trio of singers that was very common in the early days of reggae. Each horn is a unique “voice”, moving fluidly from lead to backup, and merging into reggae’s signature three-part vocal harmony. Similarly, the groove is rooted in reggae’s foundational melodic bass lines and trance-inducing rhythms. “It was all about being inspired, informed, and creating in a way that honored and connected to dub and its culture,” shares Levis. “It’s our personal expression within the artform.” Levis also worked closely with engineers and fellow dub-enthusiasts John Finkbeiner, Myles Boisen, and Eithan “Junior Top” Fletcher to capture the dub aesthetic in mixing and mastering. “The three of them have a lot of experience making dub music, and have great ears for that sound and expression,” notes Levis. “We did all of the mixes live, with vintage analog gear and four sets of hands on the board!” The care and respect of the music are more than evident on Nomadic Pulse / Pulse In Dub – an innovative, and new expression within the classic dub tradition.

All music composed by Jason Levis

Recorded by Myles Boisen and John Finkbeiner at Guerrilla Recording, Oakland, CA January, 2007

Mixed and Mastered by Myles Boisen at Headless Buddha Mastering Lab, Oakland, CA August, 2007

Pulse in Dub mixed by Myles Boisen, John Finkbeiner, Eithen “Junior Top” Fletcher and Jason Levis

Joseph’s Bones is:

Scott Larson - Trombone

Rob Ewing - Trombone

Naomi Siegel - Trombone

Marc Bolin - Tuba

Myles Boisen - Guitar

John Finkbeiner - Guitar

John Schott - Guitar

Lisa Mezzacappa - Bass

Jason Levis - Drums