Photo credit to Hana Tajima

Spencer Zahn has announced his intent to deliver an ambitious double album this year. The first part, Statues I, will drop on August 11 via Cascine, with the second installment, titled Statues II, slated for release in the fall, along with gatefold vinyl designed by longtime collaborator Hana Tajima. As a preview of what’s to come, Zahn shared the single “Two Cranes.” Listen now. 

Zahn’s latest project follows the release of his critically acclaimed 2022 set, Pigments, conceived alongside Dawn Richard. The impending record presents a collection of nine tracks consisting of eight original compositions and one cover, which sees Zahn take on California pianist Carla Bley’s “Lawns.” Across the board, “upright piano conjures a certain mood,” as reported by the artist via a press release.

Apart from the lone cover, the remainder of Zahn’s compositions thrives in a classical realm steeped in hushed melody, delicately presented to preserve the naturalism of the artist’s approach–which he’s honed through a commitment to play the piano each day and set aside time to continue to develop his expert craft. Zahn captures the essence of his approach by reflecting: “When composing solo, I always ask myself, ‘Would I want to listen to this? Does it move me? Does the emotion come through?’”

Preorder Statues I now. Stream “Two Cranes” below.