Nonesuch Records releases The Following Mountain, the newest solo album by experimental folk artist, singer and multi-instrumentalist Sam Amidon, on May 26, 2017. Created with producer Leo Abrahams (Brian Eno, Regina Spektor) and Amidon’s frequent collaborator Shahzad Ismaily, the album represents a new approach for Amidon, who shifts here from his previous norm of re-working traditional folk songs and presents nine wholly original compositions, with some lyrics drawing on traditional sources. The album features a rare guest appearance by drummer Milford Graves, known initially for his work in the 1960s with free jazz legends Albert Ayler, and Sonny Sharrock. The Following Mountain is available to preorder from iTunes, the Sam Amidon Store and the Nonesuch Store, with an instant download of the album track “Juma Mountain.” Nonesuch Store pre-orders also include a limited-edition print autographed by Amidon. Spring tour dates for Sam Amidon are listed below.

The Following Mountain was made during two distinct recording sessions: an initial weekend in Brooklyn where Ismaily and Amidon brought in Graves, percussionist Juma Sultan (Jimi Hendrix), and saxophonist Sam Gendel for a heavily improvised session; followed by time in the studio over the summer in London, where Amidon worked with Abrahams to shape and develop the songs.

“The Following Mountain is a walk through the thickets of the imagination,” Amidon said, “... a personal mythology of sounds and visions and characters. It is my first album of original music, but is still linked to the Appalachian music I love, as well as improvisation, beats, Don Cherry, Vermont, London."

The Following Mountain is Amidon’s sixth album and follows Lily-O, his 2014 Nonesuch Records collaboration with guitarist Bill Frisell.