Sean Ono Lennon, the son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, has released his ninth studio album, Asterisms, on February 16, 2024. The album, which is his first solo project in a decade, is a collection of instrumental songs that blend jazz, rock, and electronic elements. The album is inspired by Lennon’s life, his mother’s health, and the pandemic that disrupted the world.
Lennon composed the album for a week-long residency at the Stone, a New York venue run by avant-garde composer John Zorn, who also produced the album and released it on his Tzadik label. Lennon collaborated with a group of talented musicians, including drummer Ches Smith, bassist/guitarist Devin Hoff, keyboardists Yuka Honda and Joao Nogueira, guitarist Julian Lage, trumpeter Michael Leonhart, and percussionist Mauro Refosco.
The album consists of five tracks, each with a different mood and style. The opening track, “Starwater”, is a spacey and psychedelic tune that features Lennon’s guitar and Leonhart’s trumpet. The second track, “Thinking of M”, is a tender and melodic song that pays tribute to Lennon’s mother, who is in her late eighties and has been living with him during the pandemic. The third track, “Acidalia”, is a groovy and funky song that showcases Lennon’s keyboard and Hoff’s bass. The fourth track, “Asterisms”, is a serene and ambient song that reflects Lennon’s contemplation of the stars and the shapes they form. The final track, “The Last Day of Summer”, is a nostalgic and melancholic song that captures Lennon’s longing for the past and the future.
Lennon told Rolling Stone that the album’s title, Asterisms, is a term used to describe shapes in the sky, such as the Big Dipper or Orion’s Belt. He said that he was influenced by his mother’s interest in astrology, which he initially rejected but later embraced. He also said that he was feeling very pensive and introspective during the pandemic, and that he wanted to express his emotions through music.
Lennon’s Asterisms is a unique and captivating album that showcases his versatility, creativity, and musicality. The album is a cosmic journey through music that invites the listener to explore Lennon’s mind and soul.