In 2020, we reviewed the EP ‘When a Man Loves an Omen‘ by Chicago-based folk rock project Judson Claiborne. In his review, Bob Fish called it one of the most compelling EPs of the year and went on to interview their chief songwriter Chris Salveter.
Live Active Culture (Volumes 1 & 2) will be Judson Claiborne’s 5th and 6th studio albums. Mostly a product of remote collaboration throughout the many stages of the pandemic lockdown, the songs were produced in bedrooms, basements, and studios throughout the US.
In Volume One, chief songwriter Chris Salveter reflects on the vulnerability and sacrifices of the working class during plague times, the significance of water as an elemental resource, metaphor, and astrological symbol, the need for female bodily autonomy within family structures, and humankind’s prevailing fascination-obsession with murder.
Live Active Culture Vol. 1 (out now) is described as a witty, witchy, dreamy, experimental, affectionate, and politically astute companion for the times we’re living in, and we have the pleasure of sharing the music video for the album track Number One Transgression.
He tells us:
“Murder is present throughout human history and almost all the media we consume. Who doesn’t love a good detective story, murder ballad, war epic, or revenge fantasy? I’ve written a half dozen or so murder ballads myself, but it wasn’t until somewhat recently (I’m 42) that I wondered why. Why do I continue to accept and romanticize this most transgressive act?
“The idea for this video came about after a series of conversations on the topic with video artist and my longtime friend, Josh Hare (@hareofsteel on YT). Josh is a brilliant editor and did an amazing job costuming himself and performing the entire cast of murderer archetypes.”
Order Live Active Culture, Vol. 1 via Bandcamp: https://judsonclaiborne.bandcamp.com/album/live-active-culture-vol-1