The Nth Power returns with brand new album

The story of The Nth Power begins the way many great bands do, late at night, in the right city, with the right chemistry in the room. Formed during an impromptu jam around Jazz Fest in New Orleans, the trio of drummer Nikki Glaspie, guitarist Nick Cassarino and bassist Nate Edgar found something highly compelling in each other’s company and that spontaneous meeting of players became a project based in groove, spirit and the belief that music can move people in more ways than one.

Across the years, The Nth Power have earned a reputation for songs that balance musicianship flair with feeling, bringing together soul, funk and a fluid approach to genre. Their catalogue, stretching from early release Basic Minimum Skills Test through records including Abundance and Reverence, has always carried a message larger than style alone; love, understanding and connection always sit at the very heart of what they do.

It helps that each member arrived with serious experience already behind them. Nikki Glaspie spent five years as Beyoncé’s touring drummer before expanding her output with artists including Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Maceo Parker and Snarky Puppy. Nate Edgar, known through John Brown’s Body, has also worked with Sister Nancy, G. Love & Special Sauce and Rubblebucket. Nick Cassarino has collaborated with names including Christian McBride, Big Daddy Kane and Babyface. Yet for all those individual credits, there’s a clear sense that this trio becomes something different when assembled together.

Nikki once described the band as her dream team, noting that each member is a songwriter and that shared creativity is part of what gives The Nth Power their spark. Technique matters, of course, but the deeper bond is spiritual and their music is designed to energise the room, whether that means dancing, reflecting or simply standing still with goose bumps.

Fittingly released during the heart of JazzFest season, their latest album titled Never Alone distils themes of determination, shared humanity and emotional closeness. It was recorded at Mike Gordon’s farmhouse studio in Colchester, Vermont, where the trio spent two weeklong sessions letting instinct guide the process and while overlooking a quiet bay, they tracked eight songs with an emphasis on live takes, interplay and minimal overdubs.

The communal spirit of the band extends into its guest list too with jazz trumpeter Nicholas Payton appearing, alongside saxophonist Skerik, former bandmate Courtney Smith and New Orleans brass collective The Soul Rebels. Lead single “Dream Alive” arrives as a groove-driven and uplifting outing, rolling forward with punchy rhythms while making room for each player to shine.

Songs like “Crave You” serve up bright vocal leads and slick rhythmic switch ups showcasing the band’s catchy songwriting flair and incredible musicianship talent. Title track “Never Alone” presents a smooth jam that flows with pattering rhythms, intricate instrumental flourishes and soulful vocal performance, crafting a listening experience that’s at once mesmeric and energising.

“Finding Ourselves” glides with shuffling drums, atmospheric textures and expressive vocals to deliver a stunning display of their highly original sound and wide appeal. Closing the record with “Simple Life,” The Nth Power link up with The Soul Rebels to lay down an epic funk pop jam cut with captivating vocals and lively brass-focused arrangement, offering a stellar conclusion to the band’s sensational new album.

Listen to Never Alone below