Onyx Collective Shares Two New Videos - "East River" & "Color Images"
Following the release of their EP Lower East Suite Part One, Onyx Collective is back today to share two new videos. "Color Images" and "East River," both taken from the new EP, receive visual treatments courtesy of artist Alex Halbert. "The vibe for 'Color Images' created a morphing (almost drunken) viewpoint of the current downtown street culture. Nothing is clear, things are pretty nonsensical and blurry," explains Isaiah Barr. "'East River' is a representation of the song through Alex's color, rhythm, and texture palettes. There definitely seems to be a metaphoric connection to nature, of flowing water and the connection of the serenity and sometimes cacophony that nature presents."
Lower East Suite Part One released October 27th via Big Dada, and marks the first installment in what will be a three part release. Lower East Suite Part One is accompanied by cover art by Julian Schnabel, and preceded by lead single "Fruit Stand." In addition to Isaiah Barr (saxophone) and Austin Williamson (drums), the record is highlighted by appearances by Jack Gulielmetti (guitar), Dean Torrey (upright bass), Josh Benitez (piano) and Josh's father John Benitez with his salsa band featuring Adam O'Farrill (trumpet).
In September of 2016, Onyx Collective, a jazz ensemble who had been performing throughout New York for years in both rugged DIY spaces and esteemed clubs, quietly released their debut album 2nd Ave Rundown on vinyl via Supreme. In the ensuing year they would continue to build an underground profile in the city, in spite of the fact that none of their recordings existed online. Now, they are prepared to make their proper debut through the release of three projects (two EPs and an LP) via Big Dada.
Titled Lower East Suite, the recordings that make up the releases are taken from Onyx's performances over the past year. Storefronts, bars, and street corners act as both venues and studios for Onyx Collective. Many of the highly atmospheric songs from Lower East Suite Part One take their names from the addresses where they were recorded: "172 Forsyth St," "175 Canal St," "Market St."
Stream/Download "Lower East Suite Part One" -
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lower-east-suite-part-one/id1297323866
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/40AW8GGK1RT4zEsAaJfXkz