Whispering Worlds Releasing Debut Album ‘Cosmic Cliffs’ via Adhyâropa Records

Whispering Worlds, an innovative electronic-acoustic quartet led by visionary trumpeter and shakuhachi player Aaron Shragge, is set to release their debut album, Cosmic Cliffs, on March 28, 2025, via Adhyâropa Records. The album is a sonic journey that seamlessly blends ambient textures, Raga-based compositions, and interactive experimental jazz, pushing the boundaries of contemporary music.

Formed in 2022 to pay homage to the late legendary composer and trumpeter Jon Hassell, Whispering Worlds was initially conceived as a tribute project for the Festival of New Trumpet Music (FONT) in New York. Shragge, deeply influenced by Hassell’s pioneering “Fourth World” music, has crafted an album that channels Hassell’s spirit while forging a distinct, forward-thinking sound.

The quartet—featuring Luke Schwartz (guitar, electronics), Damon Banks (bass), and Deric Dickens (drums)—combines live instrumentation with two interconnected Ableton Live systems, allowing for organic interplay between pre-recorded samples, live processing, and improvisation.

Cosmic Cliffs is an immersive experience, offering everything from meditative soundscapes to pulsating rhythmic explorations. The album’s first single, “Light Echoes,” dropped on March 5, giving listeners a preview of the group’s genre-defying approach.

The album was developed through a 2023 residency at Avaloch Farm Music Institute, funded by the Mass Cultural Council, where the quartet refined their collective compositions. The result is a deeply immersive album that pays homage to tradition while boldly embracing the future.

Whispering Worlds ‘Cosmic Cliffs’ album artwork