Will Miller’s Resavoir project has a new self-titled album, “Resavoir.” Their first album, 2019’s “Resavoir,” was a wonder, a brisk album of speculative jazz and gorgeous grooves, easy to love. This new one is even better—less jazzy in some ways, for sure, but full of catchy melodies, beautiful playing, and songs with surprising trajectories. This album feels refined, less in the sense of elegance (though it is that too), and more in the sense of being pure, clear, and concentrated; a focused and perfectly executed batch of songs that conveys a set of particular feelings: peace, serenity, calm, and consideration.
It's incredible how easily and smoothly Miller moves from mode to mode on this album and still maintains a totally consistent mood. The album features expansive group jams (like “Midday,” “First Light,” and “Future”), quiet studies with one or two instruments (like “Sunset” or “Facets”), and big-beat pop songs (like “Inside Minds” and “Sunday Morning”)—but it all makes sense together, every song sits together with the others so naturally.
“Inside Minds,” the first single from the album, showcases everything that happens on this album. It’s a track that feels so deceptive in its simplicity, the kind of music that seems effortlessly beautiful to a non-musician (like myself), but probably conceals worlds of complexity. It starts and finishes with guitar, and along the way unfurls through synth, programmed drums, piano, and voice. Amazing guitar playing here from Matt Gold (who’s played on albums from Makaya McCraven and Greg Ward) and piano playing from Miller. The last 40 seconds of this track is one of the prettiest stretches of music I’ve heard all year.
“Sunset” is quieter and more subdued, only Miller on synth, keys, and sampler. A pulse, the key melodic phrase, some background tones that shift and fidget. An evocation of something like staring out the window at the afternoon light on the streetscape, looking at clouds, trees, traffic, nothing in particular, but letting yourself enjoy it and be a part of it.
“Facets,” the last track on the album, is also all Miller, a stunning closer of piano and EVI (electronic valve instrument) that seems like such a statement, and (I think) a prominent example of what Miller has mentioned about this album, about how a single chord can provide a feeling of peace and wonder. “Facets” seems like it’s saying all that and more, expressing sorrow and gratitude, a resignation or recognition of the sorry state of the world but also a hope, maybe, in people or about people taking care of each other.