Manchester-based composer, trumpeter, and Gondwana label boss Matthew Halsall puts out a 3xLP collection of previously unreleased meditative spiritual jazz recordings.

Recorded over three different months in 2008 during a period of exploration for Halsall, which led to the inspiration for two of his most notable releases in 2012’s Fletcher Moss Park and 2014’s When The World Was One. This was also a time when the trumpeter was beginning to perform with a number of UK-based musicians that would go on to make-up his Gondwana Orchestra, as well as become longtime collaborators including harpist Rachel Gladwin, bassist Gavin Barras and saxophonist Nat Birchall.

On these sessions, not only are the compositions strongly impacted by what each musician brought to the recording, it’s also very evident that Alice Coltrane’s influence and her use of a simple tanpura drone sound were a major foundation for these pieces. After hearing Coltrane’s Journey In Satchidananda, Halsall purchased and began experimenting new music with the tanpura drone, which he describes as “sort of meditative atmospheric pulse for the musicians to work over”. He also found that this instrument create this relaxing environment, in which the group could play more freely before diving into more structured compositions.

For over a decade, these sessions were consciously shelved by Halsall. He felt that since he was early in his recording career, he didn’t feel this the right time to release this material. Now after releasing over seven albums prior and one EP, as well as establishing one of today’s most forward-thinking jazz labels, he now feels the time is right to put out these recordings.

Oneness, which title speaks to Halsall’s strong belief of human equality and unity, is truly a brilliant meditative masterpiece, that is calming, spiritual, and features some incredible virtuosity from some of today’s best jazz musicians. Even though the music was recorded prior to many of Halsall’s other albums, the sessions fit right in place with some of his most recent recordings. Overall, a very strong release and essential chapter for a musician that continues to make his mark and define his own musical path.

Matthew Halsall — ‘Oneness’
(Gondwana Records)

1. Life
2. Oneness
3. Stan’s Harp
4. Loving Kindness
5. Distant Land
6. Stories from India
7. The Traveller

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