Nomad War Machine and Susan Alcorn - Contra Madre LP

The late pedal-steel guitarist Susan Alcorn leaves a final surprise hinting at new directions left underexplored on her collaboration with Nomad War Machine, the improvising metal duo of drummer Julius Masri and guitarist James Reichard. Their death-metal-influenced pummel adds new fire to her molten flow across a suite of improvised tracks that show off the vast range and simpatico of the trio.

Julius Masri and James Reichard of Nomad War Machine: An unexpected opportunity arose out of a catching-up conversation where Susan had revealed a recent fascination with death metal, confessing, "I’m 70 years old—I think about death!" She had learned a couple of Arch Enemy songs on her pedal steel, particularly compelled by their frontwoman’s intensity and vigor as a performer. Voicing an appreciation for the hook-oriented sound of Swedish death metal made sense for a melodic thinker whose roots as veteran pedal steel player reached into the Texan Western swing circuit in the ‘60s and ‘70s. For her, ever the explorer, metal was a new, appealing point of departure into fresh musical territory. When she expressed an interest in playing with Nomad War Machine, it felt like there was a whole world of shared or complementary interests to explore.

Though known for her fluency in jazz, country, and free improvisation, Susan had also studied Arabic, the oud, and maqam, with all holding a deep curiosity for her. Pre-70s country & western music had also been a lifelong presence for both members Nomad War Machine. Julius, a Lebanese free-jazz and metal drummer, and devoted fan of Texas swing legends like Speedy West, Jimmy Bryant, Leon Rhodes, and Joe Maphis, was also steeped in Arabic music traditions. James Reichard, before coming to "freely" improvised metal, xenharmonic music, and non-Western tuning systems, had grown up being subjected to countless singalongs to numerous pre-‘70s country records, entranced by the pedal steel.

Lee Gardner of VG+: I started the label because of Susan. I loved her music, and I came to be very fond of her as a person, and I wanted there to be more music by her out in the world. When she had something brewing, she would start slyly mentioning it and eventually ask me if I wanted to hear some music. All throughout 2024, she kept talking about this record that she'd made with these "metal guys" from Philly. I was a little surprised, but had come to trust that if Susan was excited about it, it was worth being excited about.

I texted with her on a Thursday in late January of 2025 about meeting the following Monday to make plans to talk about the new record. She suddenly, shockingly died the following day. I would eventually hear the record she made with Julius and James, and would meet them for the first time at a memorial concert for Susan in Philadelphia. I'm honored and humbled that they and David have trusted me to put this one more bit of Susan's music out in the world. 
-VG+ Records