Anna Butterss, the prolific LA-based bassist whose resume includes collaborations with SML, Jeff Parker, Makaya McCraven, Jason Isbell, boygenius, Neko Case, and Flea, has returned with a new piece of music. While Butterss is well-known for her extensive list of affiliations, her solo work continues to highlight her ability to curate exceptional ensembles, often drawing from the same circle of talented musicians she works with in other capacities.
This latest release, titled “Ninths,” stems from the sessions for her 2024 album, Mighty Vertebrate. That record famously featured SML bandmates Josh Johnson on saxophone and Gregory Uhlmann on guitar, alongside drummer Ben Lumsdaine. International Anthem has shared this outtake to coincide with the release of a new skull-colored vinyl reissue of the album.
“Ninths” finds the ensemble in a compelling, atmospheric space. The track opens with Uhlmann adopting a post-punk sensibility, anchoring the composition with a spindly, recurring motif. As the piece unfolds, Johnson’s saxophone takes center stage, driving the track forward with a moody, hypnotic intensity that manages to maintain a sense of blustery momentum throughout. It is a sophisticated addition to the Butterss catalog that further cements her reputation as a vital force in contemporary music.
