Today, Wild Up — the “equally euphoric and daring“ (NPR Music) Los Angeles contemporary music ensemble — releases Julius Eastman Vol. 4: The Holy Presence, out June 21, 2024 via New Amsterdam Records. It is the latest entry in Wild Up’s ongoing anthology exploring the works of Julius Eastman, the late composer who not only took innovative approaches to orchestration and musical notation but injected a defiantly Black, queer perspective into the overwhelmingly white, straight world of classical music.

With The Holy Presence, Wild Up digs ever deeper into Eastman’s oeuvre, performing lesser-known works that represent a mystically charged and spiritually reflective vein of his dynamic catalog. The release features lead contributions from acclaimed vocalist Davóne Tines and long-time Wild Up members Richard Valitutto and Seth Parker Woods, The Holy Presence also emphasizes some of the singular talents who count themselves among Wild Up’s broader collective.

Listen to Julius Eastman Vol. 4: The Holy Presence here.

Lead track, “Our Father” gestures toward Gregorian chant but is imbued with a dark reverence suiting the eternal stakes of mortal souls. As NPR Music writes: “Written for two male voices, here singer Davóne Tines doubles his intoxicating bass-baritone voice over sparse strings for a liturgical chant that haunts the chapel.”  Listen to “Our Father” here.

The collection’s undeniable centerpiece is “The Holy Presence Of Joan D’Arc,” Eastman’s tribute to the medieval heroine who somewhat paradoxically has become both the personification of fiery religious conviction and a retrospective queer icon. The inclusion of “The Holy Presence Of Joan d’Arc” owes itself to the dedicated scholarship of Clarice Jensen but also to Seth Parker Woods’ herculean ambition. Performed solely by Woods on ten multi-tracked cello parts, it’s a towering achievement captured with furious precision and tenacity.

Tune in here for today’s Bandcamp Listening Party for Julius Eastman Vol. 4: The Holy Presence beginning at 2pm ET / 11am PT.

Wild Up celebrate the release of The Holy Presence tonight with a live performance at Los Angeles’s 2220 Arts + Archives. Full details here.

2021’s Julius Eastman Vol. 1: Femenine was hailed as “a masterpiece” (The New York Times), “instantly recognizable” (Vogue), “absorbing” (Pitchfork, in its 8.1 review), and “singularly jubilant” (NPR Music).

2022’s Julius Eastman Vol. 2: Joy Boy was called “glorious” by NPR, and The Wall Street Journal said, “in its dramatic variation and reverence, Wild Up’s take on Eastman’s work seems particularly faithful to the versatile and cantankerous spirit of the man.” The album’s performance of “Stay On It” was nominated for a 2023 GRAMMY for Best Orchestral Performance. Listen to it here.

2023’s Julius Eastman Vol. 3: If You’re So Smart, Why Aren’t You Rich? was called “a deliriously great tribute” (The Guardian). The album is nominated for a 2024 GRAMMY for Best Classical Compendium. Listen to it here.