*50 copies limited edition* On a quiet Tuesday night in April, three musicians—Max Ridley, Eleanor Elektra, and Nat Mugavero—gathered at The Lilypad in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for an evening of deep improvisation. What unfolded was Playing, Praying—an intimate, continuous recording that captures the trio’s shared devotion to sound, silence, and spirit. The album was recorded live as the trio improvised from the heart, pausing only for moments of silence—now preserved as their own tracks. These spaces between sounds hold as much weight as the music itself, offering listeners an experience where stillness becomes part of the composition. 

At 89 years old, drummer and percussionist Nat Mugavero embodies both joy and reverence. His playing radiates a childlike wonder and sacred energy that defies his years. Between the music, Mugavero can often be heard whispering prayers of thanks—recentering himself and ensuring each note arises from a place of devotion and love. Eleanor Elektra’s improvisational voice flows with the same structural integrity and poetic clarity as her composed works. Her contributions unfold with intention and openness, shaping spontaneous forms that interlace seamlessly with those of her collaborators. The result is a soundscape where individuality and unity coexist in perfect balance.

Bassist Max Ridley anchors Playing, Praying with a grounding presence that connects musical worlds. Known for his generous spirit and ability to bring artists together, Ridley serves as a conduit for creative relationships that extend far beyond a single performance. Together, the trio’s chemistry is palpable. Playing, Praying is more than a recording—it’s a document of musical communion, an offering of openness, spirit, and love. The artists hope that the energy born in that moment continues to ripple outward, touching listeners in whatever way it needs to.