Selcouth Quartet, the new improvisational group comprised of drummer Joe Russo, guitarist Jonathan Goldberger, multi-instrumentalist Stuart Bogie, and bassist Jon Shaw, have announced the release of its self-titled debut album, arriving via Flóki Studios Records on October 20. The LP was recorded in just five days at the Icelandic studio and is foreshadowed by the new contemplative and emotional single, “Smaller Horses.” 

The group came together as a result of long-awaited opportunities and serendipity after Russo was assigned to pull a cluster of musicians for a last-minute gig. In doing so, he tasked the aforementioned players with the assignment, which was ultimately canceled. A new opportunity arose when Russo was invited to record at the world-class Flóki Studios in Haganesvik, Iceland. 

Following in the footsteps of fellow artists like Oteil Burbridge, George Porter Jr., and other folks who have made the Nordic trek in the name of music, Russo persuaded Goldberger, Bogie, and Shaw to join him at the highly sought-after location. “We birthed the band in the studio,” Russo said via a press release, commenting on bringing life to the new group. 

Selcouth Quartet was produced and engineered by D. James Goodwin (Tim Berne, David Torn, Bonny Light Horseman). The set captures the quartet traversing wildly different genres and musical approaches inspired by ‘90s Thrill Jockey and the attendant Chicago scene, the experimental Knitting Factory circles of ‘80s and ‘90s New York, and the jazz label ECM Records. 

“I was confident that we’d make a good record,” offered Goldberger, “but a little surprised that it turned out to be so uniquely singular and complete. It absolutely captures our spirit and the moments that transpired.” The infectious improvisation approach was in part due to being in the right place at the right time, as asserted by Russo, “If we had made a record for the first time in Woodstock in the spring, it wouldn’t have sounded like this. This album was completely dictated and formed by its surroundings. It sounds like how we felt.” 

Following recording sessions in Iceland, the ensemble returned to the U.S. and picked up proper rehearsals and writing sessions as their chemistry continued to activate. “It feels like we’ve only scratched the surface of what this band can be,” Shaw added. “What is this thing?” joked Russo. “It’s fun to be scared again.”

Listen to “Smaller Horses” now. Scroll down to view the tracklist for the impending LP. 

Tracklist:

100 Words For Wind

Smaller Horses

The Hidden People

Dragon, Bull, Vulture, Giant

Limited Light

Gyr