Jonathon Crompton’s Cantata No. 1: An Island Seen and Felt is a heartfelt reflection on his boyhood in the Australian Surf Coast, reconciling past and present, and finding peace as an expat in New York, yearning for home. 

A leading composer, saxophonist, and scholar based at Columbia University, Crompton has developed a unique voice through his intimate knowledge of Renaissance counterpoint, impressionist-inspired composition, and jazz improvisation. This groundbreaking work is simultaneously a reflection of the contemporary New York art music scene and deeply rooted in history. The album features an ensemble of leading artists from New York’s classical, early music, and jazz scenes, including Aine Hakamatsuka and Rachel Mikol (sopranos), James Wengrow (guitar), a string quartet, and electroacoustic ambience. It was recorded at Greyfade studio with Grammy-winning engineer and producer Joseph Branciforte.

Cantata No. 1 explores displacement and homesickness, spirituality, a yearning for the natural environment, and the nostalgia of childhood memories—all intensely felt through a five-year period that included the closed Australian borders of the pandemic and environmental impacts of climate change increasingly felt in both countries. This beautiful, passionate work invites us to listen deeply and patiently, and to meditate upon our past and present.

1. Movement 1 - 13:53

2. Movement 2 - Ritornello 1 - 1:28

3. Movement 2 - Episode 1 - 2:19

4. Movement 2 - Ritornello 2 - 00:48

5. Movement 2 - Episode 2 - 2:11

6. Movement 2 - Ritornello 3 - 5:07

7. Movement 3 - 10:48

Movement 2 also available as a single track on bandcamp

Composed by Jonathon Crompton

Jonathon Crompton - alto saxophone
James Wengrow - electric guitar
Aine Hakamatsuka & Rachel Mikol - soprano
Masha Polishchuk & Kate Goddard - violin
Kiley Rowe - viola
Maria Jeffers - cello

Recorded/mixed/mastered by Joseph Branciforte at Greyfade Studios, Brooklyn, NY, March 2024
Produced by Jonathon Crompton & Joseph Branciforte
Cover and single design by Jonathon Crompton
Single cover photo by Kevan way
Calligraphy by Aser One
Text - selected stanzas of Psalm 18

digital streaming release on amica via IDOL

available on CD and LP direct from the artist via Jonathon’s bandcamp

“a breathy, tremulous meditation on the shores of his native Victoria - as well as an exploration of the Australian landscape's capacity to inspire and enthral” The Saturday Paper

“such an exciting amalgamation of styles... a very profound reason to write music" WKCR-FM

“A layered, emotional journey that merges old-world tradition with the sonic buzz of modern NYC." Forte Mag