Recorded in Montreal during the late summer of 2023, The Isle is a striking new collaboration between Montreal-based drummer/composer Tommy Crane and Los Angeles-based saxophonist/composer David Binney. Though Crane and Binney have shared stages intermittently over the past two decades, the last few years have seen them renew and deepen their creative connection, culminating in this beautiful new studio album.

Tracked at Studio Mixart with the help of engineer Warren Spicer and assistant Gwendoline Dumontet, The Isle draws inspiration from the city of Montreal itself—its atmosphere, rhythms, and cultural landscape. The city’s influence is evident not just in the album title, but in the pieces themselves, several of which are named after neighbourhoods.

Crane and Binney brought together a compelling group of musicians for this recording—

many of them local to Montreal—creating a cross-pollinated sound that bridges scenes and musical sensibilities. The ensemble includes Dave Gossage on flutes, Levi Dover and Jordan Brooks on bass, Parker Shper on piano and keyboards, and Thomas Carbou on guitar. LA-based bassist Logan Kane joins Binney, who contributes both saxophone and synth textures, as well as several compositions. Crane’s playing, arrangements, and electronics guide the album’s rhythmic and atmospheric direction.

Co-produced by Crane and Binney and mixed by Binney, the album is an immersive listen—texturally rich, rhythmically adventurous, and melodically fluid. The sonic landscape blends acoustic and electronic elements, embracing jazz, ambient, and experimental influences without leaning too far in any single direction.

The Isle is being jointly released on Mythology Records and Elastic Recordings, marking a unique partnership between two independent labels committed to artist-driven music. While both Crane and Binney are known for their wide-ranging musical output, this record stands out for its blend of personal history, place-based inspiration, and the effortless interplay of its contributors.

There’s a sense of natural evolution in The Isle—a continuation of a creative dialogue that began long ago and continues to gain momentum.

This is an album rooted in trust, shaped by place, and supported by an incredible group of guest musicians.