Orbiting Human Circus is the continuing evolution of the imagination of Julian Koster (Neutral Milk Hotel, The Music Tapes, Elephant 6), whose music and storytelling under this moniker have encompassed immersive theater and podcasts as well as more traditional EPs and singles. Quartet Plus Two is the group’s debut album.
The origins of Quartet Plus Two are as magical and seemingly unlikely as everything else in Koster’s career. While walking through New York’s Central Park, he stumbled upon standup bass player Gauvain Gamon and drummer Kolja Gjoni playing Gershwin and Mingus, and, with the addition of pianist Benji Miller, a musical partnership was born. Koster’s longtime collaborators Robbie Cucchairo (horns) and Thomas Hughes (orchestral arranging and chimes) of The Music Tapes also contribute to the record.
The music they make together is at once familiar and unrecognizable; while exploring new musical paths ever forward, there is something as comforting as the smell of autumn leaves or snow. Alongside those composed by Koster, Orbiting Human Circus interpret compositions by Irving Berlin, Duke Jordan, George and Ira Gershwin, and others. The use of the term “composition” is intentional and speaks to Koster’s relationship with the music of Quartet Plus Two in far more evocative terms than “cover” or even “standard.” Much like passionate young pianists will sit down to play Brahms, or children can still be found the world over singing “London Bridge,” or the traditional “Koliada” featured on this album is still sung at holiday time, this music is vital, eternal, and right now—and through the medium of the hearts and souls of Koster and Orbiting Human Circus, the spark that animates these songs has never glowed more warmly.
credits
released November 17, 2023
Starring
North and Romika, the singing saws
Julian Koster: saw encouraging, vocal, orchestral banjo, organ
Gauvain Gamon: bass
Benjamin Miller: piano
Kolja Gjoni: drums
And
The Music Tapes
Robbie Cucchiaro: trumpet, euphonium
Thomas Hughes: orchestra chimes, orchestration
And
The Singing Saw Choir on track 9
And
The Orbiting Human Circus Orchestral
Block print by Aki Imari.
Title script by Dennis Koster.
Design by Daniel Murphy.
Rehearsed and recorded in part in New York City at the Greenwich Music House School on Barrow Street.
The Music Tapes / Orbiting Human CircusAthens, Georgia
The Music Tapes’ vision began taking shape in the ’90s, during which time mastermind Julian Koster also became a key member
of Neutral Milk Hotel and a contributor to The Olivia Tremor Control and other legendary members of the enormously influential Elephant 6 collective....more
supported by 11 fans who also own “Quartet Plus Two”
Such a special album I struggle to think of what to say about it. At times I'm afraid or put off even listening to it and sometimes its the most comforting thing in the world. I got this from a vinyl code and I only listened to that physical copy of it the morning after the night my dog died. The first time I ever lost someone that meant the world to me and it was the first time I didn't cry to it. This album is beautiful and if youre reading this, you are loved memon_dayz