Josh Johnson- Animative

Label: Nonesuch

Released 10/23/2026

Animative is new work by composer, producer, saxophonist and synthesist Josh Johnson (SML, Jeff Parker ETA IVtet, Flea and The Honora Band), his third album under his own name, and his first for International Anthem / Nonesuch. The album further advances Johnson deep into a territory he has been exploring for years: live-processed electro-acoustic takes on deconstructed rhythmic jazz. The ten track album – co-produced by Johnson and Paul Bryan, featuring contributions from Meshell Ndegeocello, Macie Stewart, Marquis Hill, Ben Lumsdaine, and more – is a marvel of electro-acoustic innovation that combines compositional brilliance and technological ambition into a mesmerizing blend of skeletal soul-jazz, post-bop, electronic minimalism, and dreamy ambience.

Track listing:

1. Idiofone
2. Reece
3. Jazz Chord Possession
4. Aughts Hymnal
5. Mill
6. It Can Be Everywhere
7. Strays
8. High Step
9. Close
10. Upstairs 2021