How can we heal unacknowledged wounds within of ourselves? How can we find creative ways to work with challenges and find new directions? The Embrace project explores these quandaries and more in an upcoming recording for vibraphone, bass, and drums.

This trio, featuring Linda Oh on bass, Tim Keiper on drums, and myself, Chris Dingman on vibraphone, was formed out of the desire to find a new musical context that expands the range of expression that comprises my musical voice as an improviser and composer, specifically as a vibraphonist. I wanted the group to feel full and vibrant, yet the limitations of the vibraphone itself create a challenge in this pared-down format. I began working on ways to play two parts at the same time and other approaches to fill out the sound of the group, as part of my composition process. During this journey, unforeseen life changes and special influences guided my way.