PRIMAL BASS, A SHARED SAX, AND WHITE ROSES
At Big Ears, Les is More
Les Claypool’s Bastard Jazz is a wild fusion of jazz, funk, and pure improvisation. Led by the legendary bassist Les Claypool (Primus), this group pushes the boundaries of sound with a genre-bending vibe. Joining Claypool is the saxophonist Skerik (Garage A Trois, Nels Cline Singers), who brings his wild, untamed energy, while percussion maestro Mike Dillon (Rickie Lee Jones, Punkadelick) adds frenetic, mind-bending rhythms. Rounding out the crew is Stanton Moore (Galactic), who keeps it grounded with his deep, swampy funk drumming.
Bastard Jazz is a heady mix of sound and improvisation that takes listeners on a strange, captivating journey beyond expectation. Together, this powerhouse lineup will deliver an unpredictable, electrifying experience where anything goes.
Share The Wealth with an All-Star Lineup
Back in November 2020, Blue Note Records released Share the Wealth, a dazzlingly inventive double LP by the Nels Cline Singers, featuring an expanded, all-star version of the mercurial guitarist’s all-instrumental ensemble. Due to the circumstances at the time, the band never performed the album live—until now. At Big Ears 2025, saxophonist and punk-jazz iconoclast Skerik, keyboard wizard Brian Marsella, bass powerhouse Trevor Dunn, longtime collaborator and drummer Scott Amendola, and Brazilian percussionist Cyro Baptista will join Cline to “share the wealth” in a much-anticipated, not-to-be-missed performance.
Alan Sparhawk’s White Roses, My God
Alan Sparhawk, best known as the guitarist and vocalist of the beloved slowcore band Low, steps into new sonic territory with his solo album released this past Friday. Known for his minimalist yet emotionally potent songwriting, Sparhawk’s solo work explores a more intimate, raw side of his artistry, blending his signature atmospheric guitar work with haunting, introspective vocals. While Low has always balanced spacious soundscapes with deeply personal themes, Sparhawk’s solo effort takes a more stripped-down, direct approach—inviting listeners into a personal journey that feels both fragile and fearless. Sparhawk returns to Big Ears following 2022’s legendary Low performance.
