Sis and the Lower Wisdom is a project led by singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Jenny Gillespie Mason. Her most recent song, ‘Crocus Man,’ was first sketched out on a flight.

According to the artist, the first iterations of this enlightened, fluid tune were recorded on the iconic sounds of Rhodes, paired with clarinet and vocals. Next, rhythms and ambient textures were later added by artist, producer, and bassist Dougie Stu.

The single opens with an unexpected indie soundscape – Piano and synth-ish keys play curt tone clusters while the percussion performs a collage of timbres. Then, the daisy-light vocals enter with: “He’s still a crocus, he doesn’t focus…”

What begins as a coy observation quickly turns to something much deeper…“Quicksilver clown, you’ve been through utter hell, but you keep turning it around.”

The world is constantly changing around us– and so is every sonic moment of ‘Crocus Man’. As one listens, one can almost feel the world spinning on its axis. Days are going by. We soak in all the changes, like rain to hail and summer sun.

A percussive vocal line begins like an ostinato– turn-turn-turn-turning. This underscores the lead melody line, highlighting its brilliance.

In ‘Crocus Man,’ there are countless ebbs and flows…most notably, waves of jazz and indie-pop come in, washing up…leaving and returning cyclically as if they were the tide itself.

Natural, blissful, admiration. This person, crocus man, is a strong beacon of light…and inside the center of his very core? It is golden saffron.

After a spacious section, the drums re-enter, creating a fresh groove as we find ourselves back at the start with the opening poetic lyric. Next, the equalization shifts as the music goes full-on aqueous.

Again, we reach a new, spacious section. The word ‘mercurial’ is perhaps the most apt description of the chord changes. This shift is quickly followed by charming panned percussive clicks.

Then, it’s as if we were in a parlor with a piano, so close to the performer that we can hear each key click down with its audible action.

The sound continues to build, slowly …Electric guitar enters, opening up a new galactic realm as a 5-note piano riff becomes not just a motif, but a meditation…The bright cymbals directly contrasting the dark rumble of toms…we solidify into a beat (only for a breath of a moment more) until it all fades away, celestial…

“‘Crocus Man’ is a love letter to a dear friend whose indomitable spirit, joie de vivre, and kindness inspire me to be a better friend and person,” Mason shared.

As we are left with nothing but silence, we reflect on this emotionally concentrated, effervescent song.

Want to hear more about where this came from? ‘Crocus Man’ is the second single off the artist’s next album release, ‘Saints and Aliens,’ which is scheduled to be released this upcoming January.

You mentioned the phrase “joie de vivre,” joy of life. What draws you to the French language, and that idea in general?

I love the French language-I studied in Paris as a college student, and my guru Mother Mirra Alfassa was born in Paris and many of her writings are in French. I think it’s just the most beautiful language. I’m drawn to the idea of joie de vivre, or loving one’s life, in the face of so much about life that is difficult. When someone has that optimism and cheerfulness and continues to progress as a human, I am naturally drawn to them and want to stay close!

Do you find it easy (or easier) to write on planes? What DAW or program was this song originally sketched out on?

I have never written on a plane! I just had my computer, some sound files I never used, and I wasn’t feeling up to reading, sleeping or watching a movie, so I decided to use the 7 hour flight from NYC to SF to write a few songs. I used Ableton to sketch out the song.

Do you play the clarinet? What was your first instrument?

I do not play clarinet! But there’s a lot of great saxophone on this record by an LA musician named Nicole McCabe. My first instrument was piano.

Your new album explores the theme of the outer cosmos. Do you feel that a cosmic vibe infuses all your music?

I do feel that, because I’m trying to connect with God when I make music, to channel something higher and beautiful, and to explore the transcendent facet of our lives here.

Your other works were somewhat inspired by the writings of Sri Aurobindo. How did you first come across these mystic writings, and what is your relationship to them?

I came across Sri Aurobindo’s writings during the pandemic, specifically his writings on evil, which he called the anti-divine. It was like a true transmission or initiation, and I am now a student of Integral Yoga, which is the spiritual path he created and taught along with Mother Mirra Alfassa, his partner. I consider them my gurus and have traveled to India to the Sri Aurobindo Ashram to spend time there, and hope to again.

What does a crocus represent to you?

A crocus represents an eternally youthful, fresh being.

Lastly (and least related to the topic at hand), I noticed that your middle name is Gillespie. Did your parents name you after the jazz great, Dizzy?

No, Gillespie is my maiden name. It comes from my father’s Scottish lineage.

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