A musical whim in Memphis has turned into a full-blown all-star project called Mellotron Variations, whose "Pulsar" from the upcoming self-titled debut album is premiering exclusively below.
Mellotron Variations was created by Robby Grant of the band Vending Machine, who recruited classical musician Jonathan Kirkscey in 2016 for a duo concert for Memphis' nonprofit Crosstown Arts. The initial collaboration was recorded and distributed in a limited edition, which was also used to apply for a $20,000 NEA grant for multi-disciplinary performances, which helped spur a multi-day Mellotron Variations festival during April of 2018, adding Wilco's Pat Sansone and John Medeski to the lineup.