Last Out Ark is a genre blending instrumental music project based in Vancouver (xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, and səlilwətaɬ lands) and Montréal (Tiohtià:ke), Canada.
The group's sophomore album Lift is replete with “clever melodies and just enough harmonic curveballs [to] keep the genre fresh and alive.” (Downbeat Magazine). For fans of "Weather Report, Kneebody, Return to Forever, and Snarky Puppy, [Last Ark Out] is sure to appeal.” (Textura).
Lift features blistering performances by Larnell Lewis (Snarky Puppy, Laila Biali), Sasha Berliner (Tyshawn Sorey, Nicholas Payton), and MAE.SUN / Hailey Niswanger (Esperanza Spaulding, Terri Lyne Carrington), as well as JUNO-award winner Allison Au, viral drum sensation Sarah Thawer, and Montreal keyboard stalwart David Osei-Afrifa.
The album and accompanying in-studio videos were generously funded by the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Now program.
Arthur Pascau Smith (guitar)
Justin Gorrie (saxophone, guitar)
James Huumo (keyboards)
Jeff Gammon (bass)
Colin Parker (drums)