Sky Chariot: New Universe Dawning CS

“Around the dawn of the 2010s, I had the pleasure of performing at the Imaginarium, an otherworldly psychedelic space situated within an otherwise unassuming neighborhood nearby Columbia, South Carolina. While the outside resembled a house, albeit with a yard full of sculptures that blurred the line between art and trash, the inside was a universe unto itself. Every surface was covered in murals, sigils, and astrological signs, veering towards the blacklight / dayglo / iridescent ends of the color spectrum. Knick-knacks and bric-a-brac spilled from every nook and cranny, often repainted, glued together, or in pieces, functioning as a nightmarishly visceral expression of the postwar American mode of consumption, as well as its negation. The interior was a labyrinth, making it impossible to judge the true size of any particular room as hidden passages connected unseen alcoves filled with glittering tableaus that would rival any baroque cathedral in the south of Spain.The Imaginarium’s architect and sole inhabitant introduced themself quietly as Jefferson and was a gracious host throughout the evening. After the show wound down, Jefferson proceeded to improvise on a justly tuned piano until dawn. Usually, such a move would be quite unacceptable - nobody wants to listen to an extended jam session while trying to get a little precious sleep before hitting the road again the next day. But their playing was transcendent, perfectly adapted to the piano’s tuning, the Imaginarium’s unique aura, and the alignment of the constellations that night. I wasn’t sure if I was asleep or awake: body in bed, mind amongst the stars. I rose in the morning feeling surprisingly refreshed.In the years since, Jefferson has moved to Australia, and the Imaginarium has been demolished (or more likely blipped into another plane of existence), but they have continued and refined their practice of extended and inspired keyboard-based music, video art, and maximalist installations - including a new living / performance space dubbed Fatamorgana. After a few fits and false starts, I’m pleased to present a long-form album by Jefferson, under their new and well-suited moniker Sky Chariot, which they describe as