T'som

Description

Los Angeles-based producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Dexter Story returns with his sixth album, T'som (pronounced sawm), a deeply personal work inspired by the spiritual practice of fasting. Meaning "fast" in Tigrinya, Amharic (Afro-Semitic languages), and Arabic, Tsom represents a time of prayer, reflection, and discipline in Northeast Africa. Guided by this tradition, Story draws from the musical heritage of the Horn of Africa and Middle Eastern musical traditions to create a spiritual jazz album that explores devotion, transformation, and the power of letting go. Collaborating with his usual partners Carlos Niño, Sudan Archives, Kamasi Washington, Jimetta Rose, and Kibrom Birhane, the album addresses themes of reflection, inner peace, and the quest for deeper connections, all driven by the exploration of traditional rhythms from the Horn of Africa. Named in homage to jazz saxophone legend Dexter Gordon, Dexter Story, a multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, musical director, and producer, is a key figure in the vibrant and creative music scene of the city. Known for his innovative approach, he has collaborated with a host of exceptional artists, including Carlos Niño, Madlib, Kamasi Washington, Build An Ark, and Gaslamp Killer. His acclaimed solo albums, Wondem and Bahir, released on Soundway, have established him as a unique voice at the intersection of jazz, African music, and contemporary production. More recently, Story produced the notable studio album by Mulatu Astatke, Mulatu Plays Mulatu, further confirming his status as one of the most sought-after music producers and collaborators today.