The Patterns Lost to Air

Marielle V Jakobsons has been so known and productive with her collaborative and guest work, especially her long-running partnership with Chuck Johnson, that it’s almost a surprise to realize she’s released only a few full solo albums over the years. The Patterns Lost To Air is a welcome addition to that total, a short but thoroughly involving release reflecting an increasing focus on her earlier classical training, as well as a statement of purpose aiming to reach beyond her long COVID diagnosis for a greater catharsis. There’s a beautiful sense of floating tenderness throughout the album – opening track “Warm Spring” almost couldn’t have been more perfectly titled – as the mix of Moog, violin and guitar track for track suggests everything from the earliest conceptions of ambient to open-ended modern orchestral work inviting contemplation and renewal. Song titles like “Before the Air Remembers” and “Everything Lost Remains” suggest themes of transition between phases, all while moments like the sudden catch of the violin on “Without You Inside Time” are simply just remarkable examples of beautiful playing as is.