Atlantis Jazz Ensemble return with spiritual soul jazz ‘Celestial Suite’
In much anticipation, the Ottawa-based collective Atlantis Jazz Ensemble return with a brilliant new recording on Marlow Records, titled Celestial Suite. Originally spawning as a project by pianist Pierre Chrétien and alto saxophonist Zakari Frantz of The Souljazz Orchestra back in 2013, this represents the group’s first release since their 2016 breakthrough album Ocean Suite.
This 8-track full-length captures that same soulful spiritual jazz energy that was fully present on those classic independent 70s recordings released by Strata-East, Tribe Records, Black Jazz and others. The album features a superb mix of hypnotic modal grooves, cosmic tones, soul jazz, Afro-Latin, Bossa and funky percussion rhythms.
The rest of the stellar ensemble includes original members trumpeter Ed Lister and drummer Mike Essoudry, in addition to newcomer and young double bass phenom Chris Pond.
With their first release in 7 years, the Canadian group has strongly re-emerged and released one of the standout jazz albums of 2023.
Atlantis Jazz Ensemble — ‘Celestial Suite’
(Marlow Records)
- Breaking Dawn
- Transcendence
- Enlightenment
- Invocation
- Oneness
- Blessings
- Joyful Noise
- Meditation
