The prolific Chicago-based ensemble Resavoir, led by the esteemed trumpeter Will Miller, has announced the imminent release of its second studio album of 2026, Above The Clouds, slated for October 9 via L’Univers. This announcement follows closely on the heels of their critically lauded March release, Themes For Dreams, a testament to Miller’s unwavering creative drive and the project’s dynamic evolution. The new album’s lead single, "4th Cloud," featuring guitarist Gregory Uhlmann, offers an initial glimpse into a sonic landscape that, while retaining Resavoir’s signature ephemeral quality, introduces a notable rhythmic propulsion and a striking embrace of electronic instrumentation, signaling a significant artistic pivot for the group.
The Trajectory of Will Miller: A Pillar of Chicago’s Music Scene
Will Miller has long been recognized as a cornerstone of Chicago’s incredibly diverse and innovative music community. His instrumental prowess on the trumpet has graced a multitude of pivotal recordings throughout the 2010s, establishing him as a sought-after collaborator across various genres. Miller’s distinctive sound can be heard on seminal releases from a spectrum of artists, including the groundbreaking hip-hop of Chance The Rapper, whose early work significantly shaped the decade’s sound, the indie-rock sensibilities of Whitney and Twin Peaks, and extending far beyond the confines of the "Windy City" to contribute to projects by global heavyweights such as R&B superstar SZA and the legendary gospel and soul icon Mavis Staples. This extensive and varied resume underscores Miller’s versatility, his profound impact on contemporary music, and his ability to seamlessly navigate diverse musical ecosystems, from independent Chicago acts to Grammy-winning international artists. His collaborations often imbue tracks with a unique textural depth and melodic sophistication, making him a valued asset in any studio or live setting.
Resavoir itself emerged as a natural extension of Miller’s collaborative spirit and his own distinct musical vision. For many years, the project has operated as an "oft-morphing Chicago jazz ensemble," a descriptor that aptly captures its fluid lineup and genre-defying approach. Early in its trajectory, Resavoir garnered significant attention through its association with International Anthem, a Chicago-based label renowned for its commitment to experimental and boundary-pushing jazz. This partnership helped solidify Resavoir’s reputation within the avant-garde jazz circuit, allowing Miller to cultivate a sound that blended traditional jazz improvisation with elements of ambient music, soul, and electronica. The ensemble’s name, derived from the French word for "to dream," has consistently reflected its commitment to creating evocative, atmospheric soundscapes that invite introspection and imaginative exploration. Their debut album, for instance, received widespread acclaim for its unique fusion, establishing Resavoir as a significant voice in modern instrumental music.
Chronology of 2026: From Contemplation to Elevation
The year 2026 marks an exceptionally prolific period for Resavoir, with the rapid succession of two distinct yet interconnected albums. The first offering, Themes For Dreams, released in March, was widely characterized as a "sparse and floaty ‘sleepytime record’." This description points to an album designed for quiet contemplation, featuring delicate arrangements, expansive textures, and a general sense of serene introspection. It was crafted with an intentional lightness, using subtle melodic motifs and spacious compositions to create an atmosphere conducive to relaxation and dreaming. Critics lauded Themes For Dreams as a "truly gorgeous collection of music," praising its ability to evoke a sense of calm and ethereal beauty. It served as a continuation of Resavoir’s established aesthetic, refined and distilled into its most tranquil form, a testament to Miller’s mastery of understated elegance. Its release in early spring provided a soothing sonic backdrop as the seasons shifted, aligning with a mood of renewal and gentle reflection.
However, the announcement of Above The Clouds just months later signals not merely continued productivity but a deliberate and compelling evolution. While the album title and the lead single "4th Cloud" suggest a thematic continuity with the airy, expansive nature of Themes For Dreams, the underlying sonic approach represents a significant shift. The press release indicates that Above The Clouds finds the project "still operating in an ephemeral sonic space, albeit with a bit more rhythmic thrust." This subtle yet crucial distinction hints at an album that retains Resavoir’s signature atmospheric qualities but injects a newfound energy and propulsion, moving beyond the purely ambient realm into something more dynamically engaging. This quick succession of releases, each with its own distinct character, showcases Miller’s restless creativity and his ensemble’s capacity for reinvention. It also suggests a period of intense artistic exploration and development within the Resavoir camp, demonstrating a commitment to not resting on past successes but continuously pushing the boundaries of their sound. The relatively short interval between albums underscores a concentrated burst of creativity, perhaps indicating that both projects emerged from a shared period of intense studio work, with Above The Clouds representing a conscious push into new sonic frontiers identified during the Themes For Dreams sessions.
Supporting Data: A Deep Dive into Electronic Instrumentation and Collaborations
One of the most compelling aspects of Above The Clouds is the radical shift in instrumentation that underpins its sonic identity. Miller, known primarily as a trumpeter, has consciously put aside his traditional instrument for much of this recording, instead embracing the possibilities of electronic sound generation. His instrument of choice for this endeavor is the Steiner Crumar EVI, an "electronic wind analog synthesizer" from the 1970s. This specific choice is highly significant. The EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) is a rare and revered piece of vintage electronic music equipment, designed to be played like a brass instrument, specifically a trumpet. This allows a player with Miller’s background to translate his unique phrasing, breath control, and articulation into synthesized textures, offering a unique bridge between acoustic brass performance and electronic sound design. The EVI, with its distinct analog warmth and expressive capabilities, provides a rich palette for Miller’s improvisational skills, moving beyond the typical synth sounds into something more organic and responsive. This decision not only highlights Miller’s adventurous spirit but also his technical mastery, as adapting to such a specialized instrument requires considerable skill and understanding of both its physical interface and its sonic possibilities. The EVI’s characteristic analog warmth and unique timbres are poised to lend Above The Clouds a distinctive sonic signature, blending vintage electronic sounds with contemporary jazz sensibilities.
The core ensemble for Above The Clouds sees Miller collaborating with longtime musical partners Lane Beckstrom on bass and Jeremy Cunningham on drums, a rhythm section known for its nuanced and adaptive support. Their established rapport provides a stable foundation for Miller’s explorations, ensuring that even with the electronic shift, there remains a cohesive and intuitive musical dialogue. A notable new addition to the lineup is Kenneth Leftridge Jr. on woodwinds, whose contributions, likely filtered through or complemented by electronic processing, will further enrich the album’s textural complexity. The decision for the musicians to largely "trade out their usual tools of the trade in favor of electronic instruments" underscores a collective commitment to this new direction. This isn’t merely Miller experimenting in isolation; it appears to be a collective venture into new sonic territory, where traditional roles are reinterpreted through an electronic lens, pushing the boundaries of what Resavoir can be.
The lead single, "4th Cloud," exemplifies these "soothing yet exploratory results." Featuring the intricate guitar work of Gregory Uhlmann, known for his contributions to the band SML and his own distinctive solo work, the track provides a tangible example of the album’s hybrid sound. Uhlmann’s guitar likely weaves through the electronic textures, adding layers of melodic or harmonic complexity that bridge the gap between organic and synthesized sounds, creating a rich sonic tapestry. This deliberate choice of collaborators and instrumentation suggests a meticulously crafted artistic vision, aimed at creating an album that is both familiar in its atmospheric intent and groundbreaking in its execution. Furthermore, the album’s tracklist includes "In Motion" featuring Knox Fortune, another prominent figure in the Chicago music scene known for his versatile vocal and production work, promising additional layers of sonic exploration and potential genre fusion.
Thematic Depth and Sonic Architecture: An Ascent Through Sound
The tracklist for Above The Clouds itself offers a rich tapestry of thematic suggestions, reinforcing the album’s overarching concept of aerial and atmospheric exploration:
01 "Cirrus"
02 "Altostratus"
03 "Stratosphere"
04 "Terrarium"
05 "Earth From Above"
06 "In Motion" (Feat. Knox Fortune)
07 "Cumulonimbus"
08 "Cirrostratus"
09 "Stratus"
10 "Caught Up In A Cloud"
11 "Fog"
12 "4th Cloud" (Feat. Gregory Uhlmann)
13 "Above The Clouds"
The prevalence of cloud formations (Cirrus, Altostratus, Cumulonimbus, Cirrostratus, Stratus, Fog) and sky-related titles (Stratosphere, Earth From Above, Caught Up In A Cloud, Above The Clouds) points to a profound engagement with themes of elevation, perspective, and the transient beauty of the natural world. "Terrarium," an intriguing outlier, might suggest a contained environment or a microcosm viewed from a distance, reinforcing the "Earth From Above" concept, implying a shift in scale and perspective. These titles are not merely poetic; they guide the listener’s imagination, setting the stage for an immersive sonic journey through various atmospheric layers, inviting contemplation on the vastness of the sky and the intricate details within it. The inclusion of "In Motion" featuring Knox Fortune adds another dimension, potentially introducing vocal elements or further rhythmic complexity that aligns with the album’s described "rhythmic thrust," suggesting dynamic movement through these atmospheric realms.
The careful sequencing of these tracks, moving from specific cloud types to broader concepts like "Stratosphere" and "Earth From Above," suggests a narrative arc within the album. It implies a gradual ascent, an expansive view, and perhaps a contemplation of humanity’s place within the grander scheme of the atmosphere. This thematic consistency, combined with the innovative electronic instrumentation, positions Above The Clouds as a conceptually rich and sonically adventurous work, promising a listening experience that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant. The album appears designed to transport the listener, evoking the feeling of drifting through different layers of the atmosphere, experiencing varied densities, light, and perspectives, all through the medium of sound.
Broader Implications: Redefining Resavoir’s Identity and Future Trajectory
The release of Above The Clouds carries significant implications for Resavoir’s artistic trajectory and Will Miller’s career. The rapid output of two distinct albums within a single year not only demonstrates Miller’s creative momentum but also allows for a clear delineation of Resavoir’s evolving sound. While Themes For Dreams solidified their established ambient-jazz identity, Above The Clouds boldly ventures into new electronic territories, potentially expanding their appeal to a broader audience interested in experimental electronic music, neo-soul, and even contemporary classical music. This strategic pivot could redefine Resavoir’s brand, showcasing their versatility and willingness to transcend genre boundaries. It signals a readiness to explore new sonic textures and compositional approaches, preventing the project from being pigeonholed into a single genre.
The move to L’Univers, a new label home for Resavoir after their tenure with International Anthem, is also noteworthy. While International Anthem played a crucial role in establishing Resavoir’s early identity and fostering its growth within the experimental jazz scene, a new label partnership often signifies a desire for fresh perspectives, different distribution channels, or an alignment with a new artistic direction. L’Univers’ support for Above The Clouds‘s electronic leanings suggests a shared vision for the project’s future, potentially offering new avenues for promotion and exposure to audiences beyond the traditional jazz sphere. This transition may also indicate a broader strategy to position Resavoir within a more expansive independent music landscape, reflecting the project’s increasing genre fluidity.
For Will Miller, this album further cements his reputation as an artist of profound depth and ceaseless curiosity. His willingness to set aside his primary instrument in favor of an obscure 1970s electronic wind synthesizer underscores a commitment to artistic growth over comfort. It positions him not just as a skilled instrumentalist but as a visionary bandleader and sound designer, unafraid to dismantle and rebuild Resavoir’s sonic architecture. This evolution is likely to resonate with both long-time fans who appreciate his continuous innovation and new listeners drawn to the unique blend of vintage electronics, jazz sensibility, and atmospheric composition. It solidifies his standing as a leading figure in the contemporary experimental music scene, a musician who constantly seeks to push boundaries and challenge conventional expectations.
In an era where artists are constantly seeking to differentiate themselves, Resavoir’s methodical yet daring evolution stands out. By marrying the introspective beauty of their previous work with a newfound rhythmic drive and a distinctly electronic palette, Miller and his collaborators are poised to deliver an album that is both a natural progression and a bold leap forward. Above The Clouds is not just another album; it is a statement of artistic intent, a testament to the power of continuous exploration, and a significant contribution to the evolving landscape of contemporary experimental music. It reflects a dynamic artistic process, where each release builds upon the last while simultaneously forging new paths. As listeners prepare to ascend into the ethereal soundscapes of "4th Cloud" and the full album, Resavoir reaffirms its position as a vital and ever-evolving force in modern music, promising a listening experience that is both groundbreaking and deeply resonant.
Above The Clouds is scheduled for release on October 9. Pre-orders are available now via Resavoir’s Bandcamp page. The lead single "4th Cloud" is available for streaming, alongside the full Themes For Dreams album.
