​Skerik, Brian Haas, James Singleton & Simon Lott Form Compersion Quartet + Detail Debut Album

Renowned saxophonist Skerik founded a new supergroup, Compersion Quartet, featuring pianist Brian Haas, bassist James Singleton and drummer Simon Lott. News of the new band came along with the announcement of their self-titled debut album, due out on December 6 via Royal Potato Family.

Compersion Quartet traces its roots back to the Skerik-founded and curated Saucefest, which takes place on the middle Tuesday of the New Orleans Jazz Fest. Saucefest sees an eclectic mix of musicians coming together in different configurations.

Skerik used the spirit of Saucefest as a template for Compersion Quartet.

“The history between the four of us goes way back, but this specific quartet would eventually come together through Saucefest,” Skerik stated. “I met Brian Haas in the early years of his trio Jacob Jazz Odyssey after he heard me in Critters Buggin. I used to play with Simon Lott in Maelstrom Trio along with Brian Coogan. They were both part of the early Saucefest events. I started playing with James Singleton on Johnny Vidacovich gigs and in other combinations. He also did some early Saucefest performances. We share a related collective history. We all are from the same mother of music, siblings without rivalry.”

Compersion Quartet is now set to release their self-titled debut album. Press materials described the new record.

Throughout the album’s 11 tracks, Compersion Quartet is defined by deconstruction and rebirth, undermining the math of music through enigmatic human vibrations intrinsic to improvisation. Like the green lizard adorning the album’s cover art, just when the listener thinks they’ve captured the essence, its tail detaches as it escapes back into the unknown.

“Compersion” is defined as “the feeling of joy or happiness for someone else’s positive experiences, even if they don’t directly benefit you. It’s often described as the opposite of jealousy or possessiveness.”

Skerik echoed that sentiment in his parting words.

“To us, Compersion Quartet means to support each other and everyone on earth. I’ll leave it at that. I want there to be more mystery and less analytical talk about this music,” concludes Skerik. “There’s really no point in trying to describe the indescribable.”

Preview Compersion Quartet with “Unreliable Translator” below:

Compersion Quartet is due out on December 6 via Royal Potato Family (pre-order/pre-save). The band will fittingly celebrate the album’s release with a pair of shows in New Orleans. Find concert info below.

Compersion Quartet Tracklist:

1. Unreliable Translator
2. Nugget
3. Untamed
4. The Regular Impasse
5. Fusillade
6. Indelible Technology
7. Oral Past
8. Devourer
9. Hellatosis
10. Paul Stamets Mycologist
11. Denouement