Album Notes

Little (i) Music is pleased to announce the release of the second recording by the Shakers n’ Bakers, a group which reinterprets traditional Shaker “Vision” songs which were received in states of inspiration by members of the Shaker religious sect during the period of Mother Ann’s work ( 1837-50 ). These songs are reinterpreted through the lens of contemporary creative improvised music. The recording is a followup to the group’s first eponymous CD which was described as “some of the most powerful and amazing stuff I have heard in the 21st century” in jazzreview.com.
The new recording called YFZ (yearing for zion) revisits the repetoire of Shaker vision songs while also expanding the group’s range into the territory of reinterpretation of contemporary music scores by John Adams, Gyorg Ligeti and Arvo Part. The title of the recording references the YFZ ranch of fundamentalist Mormons which was in the news this spring when they were unlawfully raided by Texas State Troopers – While there is no historical connection between Shaker and Mormon movements, this recording highlights the radicalism of the Shaker millennial worldview in action and reminds us that there is still the possibility of alternative devotional lifestyles in America today.
The Shakers n’ bakers are led by saxophonist Jeff Lederer and include Mary LaRose and Miles Griffith on vocals, Jamie Saft on electric harpsichord, Chris Lightcap on bass and Allison Miller on drums. YFZ also features guest appearances by Mark Feldman on violin, Matt Wilson on drums and Andrew D’Angelo on bass clarinet and alto saxophone