Exclusive Premiere: Jason Crosby Shares ‘Cryptologic’ Studio Album

Multi-instrumentalist Jason Crosby will issue a new solo album this Friday entitled Cryptologic via Blue Rose Music. JamBase is pleased to premiere a stream of the entire album which can be heard using the playlist below.

Crosby enlisted Karl Derfler to produce and engineer the 10-track LP. The first of two primary recording sessions was held early last year and found Jason meticulously recording a batch of songs while playing many different instruments. A few months later, Jason Crosby enlisted The Mother Hips as his backing band for a second session. Mother Hips frontman Tim Bluhm co-wrote a handful of songs Crosby laid down as part of the later, full-band session. Cryptologic features cover art created by acclaimed Bay Area artist Stanley Mouse.

“It was an amazing experience developing this record with Blue Rose and producer Karl Derfler. They gave me the guidance, support, and freedom that I needed to create this music…and I am grateful for them,” Crosby told JamBase. “My earlier solo recordings were all instrumental, and the biggest challenge was being happy with my vocal performance. Getting to sing with Tim Bluhm, [The Mother Hips guitarist] Greg Loiacono and [Midnight North vocalist/guitarist] Elliott Peck was inspiring and helpful!”

One of Jason’s favorite tracks is “Roads Are Torn” which came from his first session. “I played guitar, bass, violin, trumpet, pump organ, tympani and vibraphone,” Crosby said of “Roads Are Torn.” The multi-instrumentalist added, “Creating that track with Karl was a highlight. I had mentioned I wanted the trumpet to feel like someone playing it under a bridge, so Karl recorded it in this stone chamber that was in the studio…which was serendipitous.”

Stream a playlist featuring all 10 tracks found on Cryptologic:

Pre-orders are available through Crosby’s webstore. Jason will celebrate the release of Cryptologic at Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael, California on Friday night. Crosby will be joined by Bluhm, Loiacono, Jackie Greene, John Hofer and others.

Cryptologic Tracklist

1. Final Step
2. Below Horizons
3. Suffered A Fool
4. Roads Are Torn
5. Was I Ever There
6. One Of Those Places
7. Umbrella
8. Gamblers Conceit
9. Goodbye, My Friend
10. What The World Needs Now