https://banach-tarski-paradox.bandcamp.com/album/contours-vol-1San Francisco-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jake Gotlieb, the creative force behind Jake Gotlieb’s Banach-Tarski Paradox, continues to evolve his musical storytelling with his latest release, Contours, Vol. 2. The album, a sequel to 2024’s Contours, Vol. 1, showcases Gotlieb’s intricate compositional style while deepening his connection to the landscapes and cultures of Marin County, his lifelong home. Recently featured on the Progotronics 48 compilation, Gotlieb offers insights into his creative process, inspirations, and ambitions for the future.
With Contours, Vol. 2, Gotlieb maintains continuity with its predecessor while introducing subtle innovations. As a pianist at heart, he adheres to the principle of incorporating piano into every track, complemented by recurring instruments like upright bass, sitar, tabla, and oboe. “I also experimented with the Indian rhythmic vocal technique Konnakol on both albums, a little more on this one,” he explains. However, the sequel departs with the addition of synthesizers and pads, lending a greater sense of ambience and texture. Thematically, the album shifts focus from Marin’s mountains and neighborhoods to its aquatic features, as tracks such as “Phoenix” and “Farallones” reflect the serene beauty of lakes and marine sanctuaries.
Marin County’s diverse landscapes are a wellspring of inspiration for Gotlieb, who uses instrumentation to evoke the natural world. The opening track, “Phoenix,” captures the essence of a lake he’s frequented since childhood, its dense forests mirrored by the resonant tones of piano, sitar, and cor anglais. Similarly, the closing pair, “Farallones” and “Cordell Bank,” weave field recordings of bird calls, waterfalls, and rivers into their compositions, crafting immersive soundscapes that echo Marin’s coastal sanctuaries.
Gotlieb’s work extends beyond geographical influence, incorporating global musical traditions such as Indian classical, Balkan, and Brazilian music. His fascination with these styles stems from a childhood steeped in world music, thanks to his parents’ diverse tastes and eclectic collection of instruments. “What attracts me to world music is the amazingly different approaches to harmony, melody, rhythm, and even instrument making that each tradition has,” he says. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Hermeto Pascoal, the ensemble Oregon, and Egberto Gismonti, Gotlieb fuses these traditions with Western forms, crafting compositions that are as diverse as they are cohesive.
As a multi-instrumentalist, Gotlieb’s creative process is deeply rooted in rhythm and improvisation. Beginning his musical journey as a percussionist, he brings a percussive sensibility to his piano playing and compositions. “I almost always compose on a piano,” he shares, “because the 88 keys give you the best harmonic opportunities.” His approach balances structure and spontaneity, blending unstructured improvisation with carefully built frameworks to create dynamic, evolving pieces.
Influenced by progressive rock, jazz, and contemporary classical music, Gotlieb navigates the interplay of convention and experimentation with a keen ear. He views harmonic approaches as a spectrum rather than a binary, allowing for dissonance or consonance depending on what best serves the piece. Tracks like “Farallones,” with its free structure and use of homemade instruments, exemplify his willingness to explore uncharted territory while staying rooted in the foundations of his craft.
For Gotlieb, music is a deeply personal and ever-evolving journey. With six releases under his belt, he sees each project as an opportunity for growth. Already planning two new albums for 2025, he hints at new challenges and directions, including an album that incorporates more vocals and a return to his progressive rock roots.
Though currently a one-person project, Gotlieb aspires to bring his music to live audiences. He is transcribing his compositions for sheet music, envisioning a future where others can perform his intricate arrangements. Additionally, his recent inclusion on the Progotronics 48 compilation excites him as a means of connecting with new listeners in the progressive music scene.
Jake Gotlieb’s music reflects his deep connection to the landscapes and cultures that inspire him. Whether through the pastoral imagery of Marin County or the global influences blended into his work, Gotlieb invites listeners on a journey that is both personal and expansive.
For more about Jake and his work visit his website. For music visit his Bandcamp, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
