Last Ark Out – Lift (2024)
The latest album from Vancouver/Montréal-based fusion group Last Ark Out is Lift. This project epitomizes remote creative collaboration, featuring six guest artists from across North America. It skillfully combines contemporary jazz, rock, and funk influences, demonstrating Last Ark Out’s distinctive approach to modern instrumental music.
Following their 2017 album Wake and local performances in Vancouver, Last Ark Out embarked on composing new music during the Banff Centre for the Arts’ Winter Music Residency in January 2020. Despite interruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the band secured a Canada Council for the Arts Digital Now grant in mid-2022, facilitating the creation of Lift.
The pandemic prompted significant technological changes in the music industry, with many musicians adapting to recording at home. Last Ark Out embraced this shift by collaborating with artists beyond their usual circles. The resulting seven-song video album features in-studio performances by guest artists showcased via vintage Atari and CRT displays. Notable contributors include Larnell Lewis, Sasha Berliner, Hailey Niswanger, Allison Au, Sarah Thawer, and David Osei-Afrifa.
The long-distance collaboration necessitated a fresh approach to composition and arrangement. Immersing themselves in the discography of each guest artist, Last Ark Out crafted a platform that highlighted their unique talents beyond mere solo performances. The outcome is an engaging, finely crafted album, setting Last Ark Out apart as one of Canada’s most innovative jazz groups.
Buy Lift.