Canadian ensemble BADBADNOTGOOD made a name for themselves by fusing jazz and hip-hop – now they return to their instrumental beginnings with their debut on XL Recordings! With the Talk Memory they reflect on the history and innovations of the musicians and composers that influenced them on the way to their own sound. The band formed in 2010 at the Humber College Jazz course in Toronto, the solid trio line-up with Alexander Sowinski (drums), Chester Hansen (bass) and Leland Whitty (guitar and woodwinds) has existed since 2015. There is a song for the three a living and breathing organism that develops naturally and sounds different depending on the environment. “Talk Memory” is an album made with that in mind and also marks a shift from ego to collective, to balance and harmony. It features musical contributions from Arthur Verocai, Karriem Riggins, Terrace Martin, Laraaji and celebrated harpist Brandee Younger, who has worked with Moses Sumney and Thundercat. Virgil Abloh created the visuals with his design company Alaska-Alaska_äó, who also designed the album cover. “Talk Memory” is an album that emphasizes how music, as conversation, must necessarily be collective and improvised. It is reminiscent of the typical moments of a live jazz or soul show, in which the frontman introduces each individual band member to give him/her the applause they deserve. And so an album full of deep affection for the music and the community was born.
