Jon Hassell

Let's talk trumpeters. Eeewwww not trumpeters! The trumpet, not everyones favorite instrument. I mean at times it can make your ears bleed! No not Louis Prima. Not Louis Armstrong. Not even the great Miles! This is about chill (not that Miles couldn't chill) but this is about being a bit further afield of mainstream and that's where Jon Hassell comes in.

Jon Hassell who's "Fourth World" musical concept uses minimalism and electronic manipulation of the trumpet to create some of the most unique and interesting musical landscapes since the late 1960's. He's collaborated with the crème de la crème such as Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Peter Gabriel and the list goes on.

If you're new to Jon Hassell's music listen to Last Night the Moon Came Dropping Its Clothes in the Street released in 2009.The title is taken from a line from a 13th century poem by Jalaluddin Rumi: “Last night the moon came dropping its clothes in the street. I took it as a sign to start singing. Falling up into the bowl of sky.” This album is largely improvised and doesn't exactly fit into any one musical category. It's not jazz and it's not ambient. Experience it for yourself.


Here's another one for you... his most recent release. Listening To Pictures Pentimento Volume One from 2018. You can imagine how hard it is to pickup 4 and especially 5 stars on reviews by the critics. This album has done it and once you listen to it you'll see why. This makes for especially outstanding late night sitting in the dark (with only the stereo lights), sipping wine with a cat on your lap music.


With his extensive discography, we could talk all day about Jon Hassell's music. If you're a Jon Hassell noob, give these a spin then move on down through the rest of his output. You'll be glad you did.

Here's some more for you....


Listen to an excerpt from "Light On Water" by Jon Hassell