The late Jon Hassell's final musical legacy is set to be unveiled with the release of his first posthumous album, Music Is Invisible: Pentimento Volume Three, on October 2nd. This highly anticipated album marks the culmination of Hassell's final trilogy, following the critically acclaimed Listening to Pictures (2018) and Seeing Through Sound (2020). The album, recorded in 2015, features Hassell in a trio with Rick Cox and John von Seggern, and was meticulously edited and mixed by Jeff Rona, ensuring a unique and refined listening experience.
Hassell's innovative approach to music, often referred to as the "Fourth World" aesthetic, is a defining feature of his work. This style blends traditional world ethnic sounds with advanced electronic techniques, creating a unique and futuristic sonic landscape. The album's themes and motifs draw heavily from Hassell's previous works, Listening to Pictures and Seeing Through Sound, showcasing his evolution and refinement of the "Pentimento" methodology. This technique involves the musical manifestation of earlier images, forms, or strokes, a concept that Hassell applied throughout his career.
The album's tracklist includes "Blue Ba-Ya," "Club Gris-Gris," "Broadway Boogie-Woogie," and "Electric Forest," each offering a glimpse into Hassell's distinctive musical universe. The release of this album is a testament to Hassell's enduring impact on the music industry, as he continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and listeners alike.
What makes this release particularly significant is the opportunity to hear Hassell's final musical expressions, recorded just before his passing in 2021. His death at 84 years old from natural causes, following long-term health issues, marked the end of a remarkable musical journey. Hassell's contributions to the ambient and avant-garde genres, as well as his pioneering "Fourth World" sound, have left an indelible mark on the music world, ensuring his legacy will continue to resonate for years to come.
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