Natural Information Society is an avant-garde musical ensemble led by the Chicago-based bassist and composer Joshua Abrams. The group, formed in 2010, is recognized for its seamless blend of minimalist jazz, world music, and hypnotic grooves, often draping extended improvisations around the guimbri—a three-stringed traditional Gnawa lute that Abrams frequently employs as the centerpiece of the band's soundscapes. The band's compositions are rich in psychoacoustic detail and radiate a meditative quality, offering a transcendent listening experience that merges ancient musical traditions with contemporary experimental practices.

Over the years, Natural Information Society has garnered critical acclaim for their innovative and immersive musical journeys, as evidenced in their recent releases. Their album "Since Time Is Gravity" continues the group's exploration into the cosmic intersections of rhythm and resonance. "Is" and "Stigmergy" further showcase their evolutionary approach to composition and improvisation, enveloping listeners in layers of intricate sound. "descension (Out of Our Constrictions)" and its companion piece, "descension (Out of Our Constrictions) I," present live recording sessions that emphasize the group's dynamic and fluid live performances, capturing the spontaneity and interplay between its members. Collaborative efforts, like "Automaginary," where the ensemble joins forces with other innovative musicians, reveal the band's willingness to push the boundaries of genre and form. Natural Information Society's diligent pursuit of auditory alchemy has positioned them as a distinctive and influential force in the contemporary experimental music scene.

Genres

Avant-garde Jazz

Latest Release

Since Time Is Gravity

Natural Information Society

Album - 8 Tracks - Released April 14, 2023