As we close out 2023, a year of many ups and downs, we turn to a trio of LA royals. On “Facing The Sideways Rain,” multi-instrumentalist Nate Mercereau teams up with saxophonist Kamasi Washington and percussionist Carlos Niño, fresh off their involvement with André 3000’s excellent album New Blue Sun.
When asked about the experience, Mercereau says, “Kamasi, Carlos, and I have only had one short recording session as a trio, but it yielded a lot of great music. Sometimes it's like that. We recorded a few improvisations together at Jesse Peterson's studio, one of which I took home and muted my parts, and combined it with another sonic world I had in mind for Kamasi's tenor and Carlos' percussion. It's an acoustic guitar and vocal piece I've had for years, seemingly waiting for Carlos's and Kamasi’s additions… ....and it came together amazingly with what they did.”
Live From: Nate Mercereau on MBE 2020
KCRW Guest DJ set: Carlos Niño MBE 2023
Live From: Kamasi Washington on MBE 2015