Ches Smith - Clone Row (LP, 2025)

This LP was released in 2025.

Ches Smith's "Clone Row," set to release on June 6, 2025, under Otherly Love Records, is a captivating journey through the realms of free jazz and avant-garde, showcasing Smith's extraordinary technical prowess and artistic versatility. This 39-minute album features a stellar lineup, including Mary Halvorson and Liberty Ellman on guitars, and Nick Dunston on bass, creating a dynamic and fluid two-guitar army that roars with creativity.

"Clone Row" is a testament to Ches Smith's reputation as a gifted percussionist and visionary artist. The album genre-hops, taking listeners through a range of sounds, from grungy to borderline funky, highlighting Smith's astonishing technical and aesthetic range. Tracks like "Ready Beat," "Abrade With Me," and "Heart Breakthrough" demonstrate the album's diverse sonic landscape, while "Sustained Nightmare" and "Play Bell (for Nick)" add depth and complexity.

The album's standout track, "Clone Row," is a vibrant solo percussion piece that showcases Smith's ability to find the self in the midst of chaotic beauty. With its innovative compositions and exceptional performances, "Clone Row" is a must-listen for fans of free jazz and avant-garde music, and a testament to Ches Smith's status as one of the most creative musicians of our time.