First Single "Drums Like Dancing" Available Now.

Full Album Release on November 21st

Legendary Jazz Master Jane Ira Bloom Teams With Experimental Drum Virtuoso Brian Shankar Adler on New Album: once like a spark

Adhyâropa Records is thrilled to announce once like a spark, the new collaboration between legendary saxophonist Jane Ira Bloom and forward-thinking drum sensation Brian Shankar Adler.

 once like a spark brings together NASA soprano saxophonist/composer Jane Ira Bloom and percussionist/composer Brian Shankar Adler for a series of acoustic duets that traverse the globe and showcase their unique improvisational magic. After years rehearsing and performing together they decided to go into Acadia Studios in Portland, ME in July 2025 to record their collaboration. The result is 14 tracks that document the spark of their extraordinary connection. Many of the tracks are first takes of pieces whose inspirations range from the gamelan of Southeast Asia (‘Shan Dara,’ ‘Together We’) and rhythms of North India (‘Psalm,’ ‘Song for Khan’), to literary icons Jorge Luis Borges (‘A Boa a Quq Aoaba’) and e.e. cummings (‘once like a spark’), to the galaxy & beyond (‘Old Orchard Intergalactic Launchpad,’ ‘Air’). The music is alive with rhythm, melodic soul, and turn-on-a-dime improvisation.

These duets are intimate acoustic snapshots of two master improvisers at play in celebration of music that explores the planet and beyond. Their sound is both warm and dynamic, and fired with rhythm. It’s almost hard to believe that there are only two musicians playing as each of the tunes unfold improvisations that tell a unique tale of sonic adventure. once like a spark ignites a special one-of-a-kind rapport between two seasoned improvisers at the height of their powers.

 Jane Ira Bloom Facebook click here

Brian Shankar Adler Facebook click here

Thank you to Crossover Media for sharing with us.