Brooklyn, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Mary Halvorson, a notable guitarist and composer from Brooklyn, is releasing her new album titled ‘About Ghosts’ on June 13. This album features eight new compositions by her acclaimed group, Amaryllis, and includes contributions from guest saxophonists. The album, produced by John Dieterich of Deerhoof, showcases a blend of jazz and experimental sounds. Halvorson, recognized as Guitarist of the Year by DownBeat, will also embark on a fall tour across the US.
Brooklyn – Mary Halvorson, a guitarist and composer based in Brooklyn, is set to release her new album “About Ghosts” on June 13 through Nonesuch Records. This highly anticipated album features eight new compositions, performed by her improvisational group, Amaryllis, which has received critical acclaim in previous projects including “Amaryllis,” “Belladonna,” and “Cloudward.”
Amaryllis consists of Halvorson alongside Patricia Brennan on vibraphone, Nick Dunston on bass, Tomas Fujiwara on drums, Jacob Garchik on trombone, and Adam O’Farrill on trumpet. In an exciting twist, saxophonists Immanuel Wilkins and Brian Settles will contribute to five tracks from the upcoming album, including the recently released single “Carved From.”
The album has been produced and mixed by John Dieterich, a member of the indie rock band Deerhoof, which has resulted in a sound that effectively blends elements of jazz with more experimental sounds. Halvorson has expressed enthusiasm about the direction of the album, indicating it encompasses denser harmony and a greater presence of horns. This album demonstrates her willingness to experiment with adding saxophones to her ensemble.
In terms of band dynamics, Halvorson emphasizes that her bandmates were allowed considerable freedom to interpret the music and create their own layers within the structure she provides, resulting in a rich and collaborative sound.
Halvorson’s contributions to the music scene have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as Guitarist of the Year in DownBeat’s Critics Poll for both 2023 and 2024 and has received a JJA Jazz Award for Guitarist of the Year. Her work continues to push the boundaries of the avant-garde and jazz genres, showcasing her ability to merge diverse musical styles and influences.
In support of the new album, Halvorson will embark on a fall tour across the US starting in September. Confirmed concert locations include cities such as Chicago, Lexington, Bloomington, Cambridge, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn, where her performance on September 21 is highlighted in The New York Times’ annual music guide.
Halvorson’s musical journey was significantly shaped by influences like Jimi Hendrix, who led her to transition from violin to guitar, and Anthony Braxton, who encouraged her to pursue a career in music while she studied at Wesleyan University. Grateful for the experiences and recognition she has received along this unconventional path, Halvorson remains committed to her artistic evolution.
This latest album promises to reflect her ongoing journey and experimentation within the music scene, providing listeners with a fusion of her vibrant soundscapes and innovative approaches to composition.
FAQ
When will Mary Halvorson’s new album “About Ghosts” be released?
The album is scheduled to be released on June 13.
What is the lineup for the group Amaryllis?
Amaryllis includes Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Nick Dunston, Tomas Fujiwara, Jacob Garchik, and Adam O’Farrill, with saxophonists Immanuel Wilkins and Brian Settles featured on five tracks.
Where will Mary Halvorson and Amaryllis be touring?
The tour includes stops in Chicago, Lexington, Bloomington, Cambridge, Philadelphia, and Brooklyn, with the Brooklyn concert on September 21 highlighted in The New York Times.
Who produced the album “About Ghosts”?
John Dieterich from the band Deerhoof produced and mixed the album.
Key Features of “About Ghosts”
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | June 13 |
| Producer | John Dieterich |
| Album Composition | Eight new compositions |
| Band Members | Mary Halvorson, Patricia Brennan, Nick Dunston, Tomas Fujiwara, Jacob Garchik, Adam O’Farrill |
| Special Guests | Immanuel Wilkins, Brian Settles |
| Tour Dates | September 2023 |
| Major Award Nominations | Guitarist of the Year, JJA Jazz Award |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com
- The Guardian
- Jazzwise
- Nonesuch
- New York Times
- Wikipedia: Mary Halvorson
- Google Search: Mary Halvorson
- Google Scholar: Mary Halvorson
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mary Halvorson
- Google News: Mary Halvorson
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