Alabaster DePlume’s (aka Gus Fairbairn) To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals, Vol. 1, was roundly praised as one of the best albums of 2020 and served as a balm for music fans of all types as they settled into a new, pandemic reality. Now he’s back with GOLD, an uplifting, quasi-spiritual journey towards understanding the value of self-worth in a world where it may no longer be valued. Part free-jazz, part primitive hymnal, GOLD builds on the strengths of DePlume’s earlier work to coalesce into his strongest statement on our shared humanity to date.

For most of us, 2020 has been one of the most challenging years of our lives. It has changed the way we relate to our world, each other, and our music.

On an all-new episode of Discologist, Kevin, Eduardo, Wes, and special guest Philip Bassnight (Broke Royals) are taking time to explore the music that meant the most to us this year, what songs both old and new lit up our darkest hours, and why now, more then ever, it is so very important that us human’s continue to strive to connect with each other any way we can.

Saxophonist and poet Alabaster Deplume is a true man of the people. With a focus on human interaction and togetherness, Deplume’s music, both on record and in live performance, serves one purpose, and one purpose only: To bring us all together. We’re taking a look at this legend-in-the-making’s remarkable To Cy & Lee: Instrumentals, Vol. 1, and uncovering some answers as to why music is such an essential force in our lives along the way.

PLUS: Percussionist Joe Westerlund’s Reveries In The Rift, uses jazz, folk, and more to create worlds for us to escape in a way that few albums can. Get lost with the rest of us and check out the single “Ituri Air” from this gorgeous, idiosyncratic gem.