"I started to feel an itch that needed to be scratched! This itch was, in fact, more of a sound." explains Payne. Reflecting on the album's beginnings, he shares, "Just around the time I started composing, A small poetry book by Tongo Eisen-Martin turned up on my bedside table. My partner has purchased the book on a recommendation and had left it there. I decided, with very little thought, to pick it up and read over the first few passages. Not only did I finish the book that very evening, I was absolutely swept away by it.

After re-reading and trying to tap into this creative outlet, a quick internet search revealed that not only does Tongo write astounding works, he also recites them in a specific performative style. His spoken-word act brings the text into a whole other realm. And I began to hear something. I was so driven by this, I reached out to the author. Tongo Eisen-Martin. Soon after, Tongo got back to me, arms open to the idea of collaboration and, without hesitation, began sending me text recordings to work with"

"This Thread Walks" emerges from a unique confluence of Payne's distinctive tone and Eisen-Martin's powerful poetic voice. The album is a sonic journey that blends the rhythmic complexity of jazz with the profound narrative depth of spoken word. Payne draws inspiration from Eisen-Martin's texts, using their distinct rhythm and energy as the foundation for his compositions. The result is an album that transcends traditional jazz, incorporating elements ranging from the ethereal tonality of Arvö Part to the dynamic pulse of Madlib's universe. 

credits

released May 24, 2024

Alistair Payne: composition, trumpet
Tongo Eisen-Martin: spoken word

Marta Arpini: vocals
José Soares: alto saxophone
Floris Kappeyne: piano, synthesizer
Tijs Klaassen: double bass
Sun-Mi Hong: drums

Recorded at Wisseloord Studios by Alessandro Mazzieri
Mixed & Mastered by Alistair Payne

Cover design and artwork by Isa Grütter