Chris Dingman’s approach to the vibraphone involves more than a bit of sonic alchemy. By nature, the instrument is brittle and cool. But when Dingman creates swirls of resonance, the instrument exudes an uncanny warmth.

Transcendence has long been a subject of Dingman’s work, ever since his debut album, Waking Dreams in 2011. However, that pursuit of transcendence has deepened over the past few years on solo projects like Peace and journeys vol. 1. Peace features 5 hours of solo improvisations Dingman made for his father during the last part of his life, music that seeks true calm and healing, not just superficial relaxation. Through the height of the pandemic, Dingman continued this meditative solo practice, yielding five new extended pieces on journeys vol. 1, released this February.

This Friday, April 8, Dingman will celebrate the release of journeys vol. 1 at The Jazz Gallery with two sets. These solo improvisations will grow new branches alongside special guest performers Donny McCaslin on saxophone and Rubin Kodheli on cello.

Vibraphonist Chris Dingman celebrates the release of journeys vol. 1 at The Jazz Gallery on Friday, April 7, 2022. He will be joined by special guests Donny McCaslin on saxophone and Robin Kodheli on cello. Sets are at 7:30 and 9:30 P.M. E.D.T. $25 general admission ($10 for members), $35 reserved table seating ($20 for members) for each set. Purchase tickets here.