2015: John Chantler

It’s been a really great first year in Stockholm. Massive thanks to everyone who has made me feel welcome here. Part of the rationale behind the move was to spend some more time on my own music and I’ve been lucky to play some great concerts this year — highlights being an improvised duo with Okkyung Lee @ Hundred Years Gallery, London and a 45 speaker diffusion of ‘The Long Shadow of Decline’ at the Akousma festival in Montreal. Has also been a pleasure to host some concerts in Stockholm and I’m very thankful for all of the artists, audience and allies who made Openframe and The Necks possible — makes me very much look forward to hosting my first festival here next February, too (www.edition-festival.com).

Still lots to absorb of the new recorded sounds that came my way over the last year or so but for now, these ones stand out for recommendation:

Olivia Block: Aberration of Light

Jürg Frey: Grizzana / 24 Wörter / String Quartets / Komponisten Portrait

Jean-Louis Huhta: No History No Future

Fadimoutou Wallet Inamoud: Isswat

The Necks: Vertigo

Jim O’Rourke: Simple Songs

Sonny Rollins / Don Cherry Quartet: Complete Live at The Village Gate 1962

Ian William Craig: Cradle for the Wanting

Kevin Drumm: Mithering the Skiving Gorm