Today, drummer-composer Tom Skinner releases his new single “Margaret Anne,” a rhythmically taut and emotionally resonant piece dedicated to his mother, the former concert-piano prodigy Anne Shasby. Skinner’s second solo album Kaleidoscopic Visions is out September 26 via Brownswood Recordings and International Anthem. He will also be touring the US in October, with dates in Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia — all tickets and info available here.

Listen to “Margaret Anne” and preorder Kaleidoscopic Visions here.

Of the single Tom Skinner says: “In the early 80s, shortly after I was born, my mother stepped away from the concert stage — not out of a loss of ability or passion, but out of frustration with the entrenched misogyny of the classical world, and to focus on raising our family. No small thing, as I have come to understand. She never stopped playing, though; the sound of her piano has been a constant presence throughout my life, and still is to this day. In no small part shaping my musical sensibility and laying the foundation for my own musical path. The Max Roach inspired rhythm and taut energy of this piece speaks to her courage, strength and resilience in following her heart.”

Originally composed without a title, the piece found its name as Skinner reflected on the influence his mother continues to have — her strength, her artistry, and her quiet but enduring gift of music. Opening with Skinner’s commanding drum work — rhythms that summon like a call to gather and pulse like the heartbeat of a procession — “Margaret Anne” stands as a living tribute, driving and resolute, and the most up-tempo track on his forthcoming album Kaleidoscopic Visions, a celebration of the resilience and legacy that beat at the heart of Skinner’s work.

Kaleidoscopic Visions showcases Skinner drawing together the many threads of his career as one of the UK’s most versatile and free-thinking contemporary musicians. Performing and recording with Sons of Kemet, The Smile, David Byrne, Meshell Ndegeocello, Alabaster DePlume, Floating Points and Peter Zummo as well as a wide range of collaborations across London’s vibrant improvised and electronic scene, Skinner’s diverse touchpoints are brought together in an album of quiet power and profound truths, reflecting his journey so far and opening the road towards what is to come.

Where Skinner’s 2022 debut, Voices of Bishara, drew inspiration from Abdul Wadud’s 1978 cello masterpiece By Myself, Kaleidoscopic Visions shifts toward more personal, fully composed material. Brought to life by the intuitive improvisations of long-time bandmates Tom Herbert (acoustic bass), Robert Stillman (tenor & soprano saxophone), Chelsea Carmichael (tenor saxophone & flute), and Kareem Dayes (cello), the album also features high-profile collaborations with Meshell Ndegeocello, Portishead’s Adrian Utley, Contour, and Yaffra.