Uncovering the artistic partnership behind the album ‘That Wasn’t A Dream’
Bassist, Pino Palladino, and producer, Blake Mills have come together yet again, combining their expertise to produce another album filled with genre-defying instrumental tracks. Their latest endeavor, “That Wasn’t A Dream,” marks their second musical collaboration journey into uncharted territory.
Throughout his illustrious career, Palladino, a 67-year-old Welsh bass player, has established himself as a significant figure in popular music. From working with the likes of Don Henley, Eric Clapton, John Mayer, and Erykah Badu to touring with iconic bands such as The Who and Nine Inch Nails, Palladino’s unique bass style has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Reflecting on his partnership with Mills, Palladino describes the experience as something truly unique that defies conventional categorization.
In contrast, 30-year-old Mills’ musical trajectory has been on a steady upward trend since his days with the Southern California rock band, Simon Dawes. His skills as a guitarist and vocalist laid the foundation for a successful solo career and production work for renowned artists like Fiona Apple and Alabama Shakes. When Mills and Palladino first joined forces in 2016 on a project with John Legend, their creative chemistry quickly became apparent, leading to the inception of their 2021 album, “Notes With Attachments.”
Their collaborations often blur the lines between structure and improvisation, defying traditional song hierarchies. One such example from their latest album is the track “Taka,” driven by Palladino’s characteristic bassline inspired by West African music. This fusion of influences reflects their shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional music genres.
The creative process between Palladino and Mills is described as truly collaborative, where one partner introduces an idea and the other builds upon it, as seen in the development of the track “Contour.” Working on song ideas without other musicians allows Palladino and Mills to focus on crafting intricate melodies and imaginative chord progressions. Despite the absence of a drummer during their sessions, Mills attests to the duo’s shared sense of rhythm and synchronization, creating a cohesive musical experience.
During the album’s production, Mills introduced a groundbreaking addition to his sonic arsenal – a bespoke “fretless baritone sustainer guitar.” This innovative instrument, developed by guitar maker Duncan Price, allows Mills to sustain notes in ways previously unachievable, enhancing the album’s sonic landscape with distinctive textures and tones.
Palladino and Mills’ dynamic partnership continues to evolve on “That Wasn’t A Dream,” showcasing their prowess for crafting captivating instrumental music that transcends genre conventions. Their shared passion for experimentation and innovation underscores their commitment to challenging the status quo and redefining contemporary music landscapes with each new release.