Phyllis Chen -Hamir Atwal -Zach Layton: ENNEADS

ENNEADS is named after the writings of the Neoplatonic philosopher Plotinus, their debut album release approaches improvisation through the ancient Pythagorean idea that harmony is “number made audible,” allowing harmonic overtones, sympathetic vibration, and ever- shifting rhythmic proportions.

Phyllis Chen is a Guggenheim Fellow, composer, pianist, and sound artist whose work explores resonance, materiality, and the tactile relationship between object and sound. A founding member of the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), she has performed internationally and is widely recognized for her pioneering work expanding the expressive possibilities of the toy piano through her UnCaged Toy Piano project.

Hamir Atwal is a drummer, improviser, and educator whose work bridges contemporary composition, jazz, and experimental music. A longtime presence in the Bay Area’s creative music community, he has collaborated with artists including Myra Melford, Miya Masaoka, Merrill Garbus, Matt Nelson, and Kenny Wollesen, bringing a deeply sensitive and textural approach to collective improvisation.