The year is 2025. The Police’s groundbreaking album, Synchronicity, remains a cornerstone of ’80s rock, a testament to the band’s unique blend of rock, reggae, and new wave. This album, released at the height of the band’s fame, marked both a triumphant peak and the beginning of their eventual dissolution. Guitarist Andy Summers, whose innovative guitar work was integral to the Police’s sound, offers a unique perspective on the album’s creation, the band’s dynamics, and his own ongoing musical journey.
The Genesis of Vertiginous Canyons: An Unexpected Musical Journey
Summers’ recent creative endeavors provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a musical innovator. His photography book, A Series of Glances, unexpectedly birthed a companion EP, Vertiginous Canyons. This project, born from an unusual request to create music to accompany the visual art, showcases Summers’ improvisational brilliance and his ability to weave sonic landscapes.
The process, as Summers describes, was remarkably organic. Inspired by the imagery in his own photographs, he spent three hours in his studio, surrounded by “all sorts of pedals and sonic devices,” allowing the sounds to guide his improvisation. This spontaneous approach, reminiscent of the recording methods of decades past, resulted in a fresh, vibrant collection of music. “Hopefully, what you get out of that is a fresh thing,” Summers reflects, and indeed, the EP captures a sense of immediacy and creative freedom.
Honing a Craft: The Influence of Jazz and the Pursuit of Mastery
Summers’ musical roots run deep, grounded in the rich tradition of jazz. He recalls his early days, meticulously studying the work of jazz guitar giants like Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell, absorbing their phrasing, their sense of time and space. “My phrasing and my sense of time and space really comes out of that,” he acknowledges, emphasizing the formative influence of these early heroes.
This dedication to mastering his craft is evident throughout his career. He speaks of the importance of “perfect time and rhythm,” a fundamental principle instilled by his jazz background. This foundation, combined with a lifelong pursuit of expanding his musical vocabulary, has allowed him to navigate the complexities of chord progressions and unlock the full potential of the guitar.
Revisiting Synchronicity 2025: A Complex Legacy
The upcoming Synchronicity box set, anticipated by fans in 2025, offers a chance to delve deeper into the album’s creation and its enduring impact. Summers provides insights into the sometimes-fraught process, highlighting the creative tensions and the band’s evolving dynamics. He recounts the near-abandonment of “Every Breath You Take,” a song initially deemed too lightweight. It was Summers’ iconic guitar line that ultimately transformed the track into the global phenomenon it became.
Despite the album’s massive success, Summers admits it isn’t his personal favorite. He points to the band’s second album, Reggatta de Blanc, as holding a special place in his heart. Recorded in just ten days, it captured the raw energy and ambition of a young band on the rise. Synchronicity, by contrast, reflects a more sophisticated, layered approach, a departure from the trio’s original sound.
The Price of Fame: Internal Conflicts and the Inevitable End
Summers candidly discusses the challenges that accompanied the band’s meteoric rise. The immense fame and fortune, he suggests, contributed to the “rot” that ultimately led to the Police’s demise. Sting’s desire to pursue a solo career further strained the band’s already fragile dynamic. While acknowledging the band’s achievements, Summers reflects on the bittersweet reality of their breakup, a common narrative of bands grappling with the pressures of success.
Beyond Synchronicity: A Continuing Musical Exploration
Andy Summers’ musical journey extends far beyond the confines of the Police. His solo work, including the Vertiginous Canyons EP, demonstrates his ongoing commitment to experimentation and improvisation. His photography, like his music, serves as a creative outlet, a means of capturing and expressing his unique perspective on the world.
Conclusion: The Enduring Influence of Andy Summers and The Police
The legacy of the Police, and Andy Summers’ contributions to their sound, continues to resonate in 2025 and beyond. Synchronicity, despite the complexities surrounding its creation, stands as a landmark achievement in music history. Summers’ reflections on the album, the band, and his own artistic evolution offer valuable insights into the creative process and the challenges of navigating the music industry. His ongoing exploration of music and photography exemplifies a restless creative spirit, a testament to the enduring power of artistic expression.
What are your favorite songs from Synchronicity? Share your thoughts and memories in the comments below! Let’s continue the conversation about this iconic album and its lasting impact. Do you have any questions about Andy Summers’ work or the upcoming Synchronicity box set? Ask away! We’d love to hear from you.
