Musical visionaries Pino Palladino and Blake Mills have announced their second collaborative album, That Wasn’t A Dream, set for release on August 22 via New Deal / Impulse! Records. The announcement is accompanied by the lead single and video, “Taka.”
Following their acclaimed 2021 debut, Notes With Attachments, which Pitchfork lauded for dissolving the lines between lead performers, the new album finds the duo delving deeper into their unique musical synergy. That Wasn’t A Dream continues their exploration of spontaneous, leaderless composition, refined with an organic and intentional restraint. “Space could become the centerpiece,” says Palladino, highlighting the album’s minimalist philosophy.
The lead single, “Taka,” offers a tantalising glimpse into the project’s soundscape—a dynamic track showcasing instrumental athletics and generous melodies that build into a kaleidoscopic funk. It features Chris Dave on drums, who was named one of the 100 greatest drummers of all time by Rolling Stone. The accompanying video is directed by Justin Daashuur Hopkins.
Recorded at Sound City’s legendary Studio A, the album sees the Grammy-winning pair—Palladino, a revolutionary bassist for artists like D’Angelo and Nine Inch Nails, and Mills, a sought-after producer for Fiona Apple and Alabama Shakes—innovating once again. The sessions featured the prototype of a fretless baritone sustainer guitar, developed by Mills, which adds an undefinable, woodwind-like texture to the music.
With contributions from frequent collaborator Sam Gendel, That Wasn’t A Dream promises a subversive yet naturalistic listening experience, rewarding close attention with its intricate beauty. The duo will support the album with live dates this fall.
Live Dates
Sunday, September 21st // Portland, OR // Aladdin Theater
Tuesday, September 23rd // Berkeley, CA // The Freight
Wednesday, September 24th // Big Sur, CA // Henry Miller Memorial Library
Friday, September 26th // Los Angeles, CA // The Ford
Friday, October 3rd // Brooklyn, NY // Pioneer Works
Tuesday, October 7th // Cardiff, UK // Gate Arts Centre Date
Wednesday, October 8th // Utrecht, NE // Hertz at Tivolivrendenburg
Thursday, October 9th // Brussels, BE // Centre For Fine Arts w/ ABRUPT Festival
Saturday, October 11th // Leipzig, DE // UT Connewitz w/ Leipzig Jazz Festival
Sunday, October 12th // Stockholm, SE // Hörsalen w/ Stockholm Jazz Festival
Pre-Order/Save That Wasn’t A Dream: https://pinoblake.lnk.to/ThatWasntADream
