New Zealand’s cosmic jazz ensemble The Circling Sun releases sophomore album ‘Orbits’
New Zealand jazz collective The Circling Sun, whom is made up of record collectors, music producers and DJs including bandleader Julien Dyne, follow-up their breakthrough debut Spirits, which was named ‘2023 BeatCaffeine Album of the Year‘ with their highly-anticipated sophomore full-length on Soundway Records, titled Orbits.
Brilliant from start to finish, this 7-track recording builds off the foundation of the group’s debut while expanding their sound even further, blending together cosmic spiritual jazz, layered percussion grooves, atmospheric textures, and ethereal choirs. There is definitely a nod to some of the more experimental jazz that was resonating in the 70s by artists like Azymuth, Lonnie Liston Smith, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and others.
Joining Dyne on this session, who produced, arranged, and mixed the album along with playing drums and percussion, included Cameron Allen (flute and tenor saxophone), Jong-Yun (J.Y.) Lee (flute alto, tenor, baritone and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, clarinet), Ben Turua (acoustic bass), Joe Kaptein (piano, Fender Rhodes, Synths, guitar), Finn Scholes (trumpet, flugelhorn, vibraphone, tuba, trombone, marimba), Kenny Sterling (percussion, synths, choir direction).
The Aotearoa collective have once again put together a cosmic jazz masterpiece that continues to push their sound to new heights. Definitely a strong contender for album of the year!
The Circling Sun — ‘Orbits’
(Soundway Records)
- Constellation
- Mizu
- Seki
- Amina
- Flying
- Teeth
- Evening
