Drumming News :
JazzTimes spotlights the multifaceted creativity of drummer, composer, and percussionist Ches Smith, who continues to expand his sonic universe with the release of two dramatically different albums: The Self and Clone Row. Known for his wide-ranging collaborations and genre-defying projects, Smith once again proves his versatility and commitment to innovation in both solo and ensemble formats.
The Self – A Raw, Improvised Percussion Statement
Released in April on John Zorn’s Tzadik label, The Self is a deeply personal, exploratory solo percussion album that emphasizes acoustic instruments such as vibraphone, gongs, tubular bells, and glockenspiel. Smith describes the record as a kind of “palate cleanser,” a return to raw percussive elements and harmonic overtones that reflect his current mindset as a composer and improviser. With no collaborators except for the sonic material itself, Smith recorded extensively over two days, allowing intuition and experimentation to guide the process. The result is a spacious, fluid listening experience that strips music down to its most elemental sounds.
Clone Row – An Experimental Quartet with Sharp Edges
In contrast, Clone Row (released June 6 on Otherly Love) is a focused and richly composed album featuring bassist Nick Dunston and dual guitarists Mary Halvorson and Liberty Ellman. The album fuses tightly structured compositions with adventurous improvisation and subtle electronics. Smith conceived the music with Halvorson in mind, building on their long musical history, and paired her with Ellman to create a unique dual-guitar dynamic — equal parts wild, textural, and grooving. Dunston, whose fluid and unconventional bass lines act as connective tissue, brings both grounding and disruption, making for a band that thrives on contrast and surprise.
Each piece on Clone Row was crafted with specific interaction ideas for the guitarists, pushing modal compositions to — and beyond — their limits. The group workshopped material in live settings before recording, ultimately embracing sonic diversity over uniformity. With this album, Smith deepens his exploration of layered timbres and group interplay while maintaining his signature experimental edge.
Original article: HERE
Edited Biography of Ches Smith
Ches Smith is a drummer, percussionist, and composer based in New York City, originally from Sacramento, California. Described by The New York Times as “one of the wiliest drummers on the experimental scene,” Smith has been a vital force in the avant-garde and creative music worlds since the early 2000s. He has performed and recorded with a wide array of forward-thinking artists including Marc Ribot, Tim Berne, John Zorn, Mary Halvorson, Darius Jones, Dave Holland, Nels Cline, Kris Davis, and Xiu Xiu, among many others.
As a bandleader, Smith has released nine albums that showcase his compositional voice and skill for ensemble curation. His projects range from the skronky swing of Laugh Ash, to the haunting Haitian Vodou-inspired Path of Seven Colorswith We All Break, and the improvisational trio work with Craig Taborn and Mat Maneri.
In addition to his extensive performing and recording career, Smith is a dedicated student of Haitian Vodou drumming. He has studied and performed in both New York and Haiti for over a decade, incorporating its intricate rhythms and spiritual depth into his broader musical language. Smith’s work remains a testament to experimentation, cultural exploration, and the endless possibilities of rhythm and sound.