Tom Skinner

Upon the release of Kaleidoscopic Visions, the second album Tom Skinner has made under his own name, the drummer-composer is already in possession of an incredible career—two decades as a key member of London’s jazz community, including co-founding the mighty Sons of Kemet; in-demand collaborator to a who’s who of famed electronic producers and noted rhythmalists; purveyor of his own left-of-center musical pursuits (see: Hello Skinny); and, most recently, a budding experimental rock star (see: The Smile). Released via Brownswood Recordings and International Anthem, Kaleidoscopic Visions is composed of distinct but overlapping sonic strategies that narrate Skinner’s journey. On the entirely instrumental Side A, he orchestrates a gorgeous song cycle, artfully illuminated by the live Bishara band—bassist Tom Herbert, cellist Kareem Dayes, and Robert Stillman and Chelsea Carmichael on various woodwinds and reeds——with electric guitar on two tracks courtesy of Portishead's Adrian Utley. The LP leans into more personal, fully composed pieces—a timeline of life reconciled in his creative subconscious, interpreted by the Bishara band’s improvised choices, and featuring additional performances on Side B from Contour, Yaffra, and Grammy Award–winning singer-bassist Meshell Ndegeocello. Tom Skinner’s Kaleidoscopic Visions chronicles the importance of considering the view from the middle of one’s own life, taking stock alongside memories and family, heroes, and friends new and old.