David Byrne, the iconic frontman of Talking Heads, has taken a creative leap by collaborating with the Ghost Train Orchestra on his latest album, “Who Is The Sky?” Released in early September, the album is a vibrant exploration of sound that showcases Byrne’s keen interest in orchestral music blended with contemporary elements.
Byrne was initially drawn to the Ghost Train Orchestra through their rendition of a Moondog tune. “I really liked the Moondog record, and I figured this is a good chance for me to kind of get to know them, to see how they work,” he explained. This collaboration blossomed quickly, leading Byrne to suggest that the Ghost Train Orchestra be the band on his record.
The album features a unique sound, marrying orchestral arrangements with rock instrumentation, allowing Byrne’s vision to flourish. “I like how they have an orchestra sound, but they also have bass, drums, and guitar,” Byrne noted during a Zoom interview from his home in New York City.
Byrne entrusted the band with the arrangements for the songs, believing that their familiarity with their strengths and weaknesses would enhance the overall sound. Trombonist Curtis Hasselbring, a graduate of New England Conservatory known for his involvement in Boston’s jazz scene, played a critical role in arranging the song “Everybody Laughs.” Byrne praised the arrangement, stating, “They came up with this instrumental passage that happens twice in the song, and it really lifted that section of the song up. It tells you ‘This is a celebration.’”
Byrne’s collaborative approach emphasizes the chemistry and mechanics that come from working with a dedicated band rather than random session musicians. Their rehearsals were dynamic, with Byrne attending for months leading up to the recording, fostering a strong rapport and creativity within the group.
The Ghost Train Orchestra, founded for a celebration of the Regent Theatre’s 90th birthday, has evolved from focusing on early jazz sounds to exploring contemporary music through projects like their upcoming work, “CITIES,” described as a “musical travelogue” inspired by various urban landscapes from around the globe.
Byrne’s latest work echoes the themes present in his previous album, “American Utopia,” characterized by a blend of upbeat music juxtaposed against serious social and political themes. One particularly imaginative track, “Moisturizing Thing,” humorously contemplates an anti-aging product that rejuvenates users to the appearance of infancy.
Another track, “A Door Called No,” was inspired by a sign that Byrne saw in a public space. The simple directive sparked his imagination, leading him to consider its broader implications in society. “It could be about racism or different exclusionary parts of society … but it’s not necessarily about going into that door, but about finding a completely different way of looking at things,” he explained.
Byrne’s commitment to optimism is also reflected in his digital news outlet, Reasons to be Cheerful. He has observed a rising interest in positive news, noting that their readership and memberships have increased as people seek uplifting stories amidst troubling times. “In some ways, things are not good at all, and there’s a lot to be concerned about,” he acknowledged. “But it is also true that we’ve evolved to be attracted to negative news more than anything positive.”
The upcoming tour promoting “Who Is The Sky?” will feature Byrne and his ensemble employing wireless technology, facilitating a fully mobile stage experience. This innovative approach makes performances more engaging and dynamic, as musicians can freely move about the stage, enhancing the audience’s experience.
“I didn’t realize that that would kind of democratize the performance experience — all the musicians can come to the front,” Byrne reflected on this shift in his performance style. The practical aspects of the tour will also feature a touch of fun, as Byrne revealed plans to include folding bicycles for the ensemble members to use in each city. “We’re bringing the bikes!” he affirmed.
Byrne’s tour dates include performances at the Boch Center Wang Theatre from October 2-4, followed by a concert at Providence’s Veterans Memorial Auditorium on October 5. This collaboration with the Ghost Train Orchestra marks an exciting chapter for Byrne as he merges different musical influences to produce engaging, thought-provoking art.
With a reinvigorated approach to performance and collaboration, Byrne remains a trailblazer in the music industry, continually exploring and redefining his artistry. His unique perspective and dedication to joyful creativity ensure that his work will continue to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.
image source from：bostonglobe
