The music of Jenny Gillespie Mason aims for something more than just conventional pleasures. There's always a spiritual element to the material. I felt that way about her last album as Sis, and I feel that way about her new EP as Ship Says Om.
Dream Journal opens on a plucked guitar and synth instrumental. If you've ever heard any of those Bill Nelson solo records like Chance Encounters in the Garden of Light, you'll feel like you are in familiar territory. "Samadhi" continues the earlier spiritual searching of Sis material, while "I Still Love Us" percolates with electronic warmth. "Mother Director", a real highlight here, adds in layered vocals and fans of old Harold Budd and Laraaji recordings will find this interesting, I'd guess.
Existing somewhere between ambient and New Wave, the work of Jenny Gillespie Mason continues to interest me. This EP is so lightly done in its approach that what could be belabored in other hands is surprisingly simple and direct; this is music for contemplation or reflection, and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Dream Journal by Ship Says Om is out now. Details below.