THE CIRCLING SUN - SPIRITS (STANDARD VERSION)

SOUNDWAY

£19.89

Format: LP, standard slip-sleeve repress
Catalogue No.: SNDWLP169
Barcode: 5060571362186
Release Date: Jan 24 (repress)
Genre: Jazz

Following heavy radio play, New Zealand collective The Circling Sun releases the Spirits LP in a standard sleeve, following the initial limited edition run which few off the shelves.

Channelling spiritual/modal jazz and Latin rhythms, they simultaneously reference the greats such as Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders and Alice Coltrane, while maintaining a fresh perspective on ensemble dynamics.

Perhaps the group's name is no coincidence - each instrument seems to be in orbit around the concept of symbiotic synergy - and everyone is given equal space to shine; from a psychedelic Korg, to a delirious saxophone or the gentle ripples of a harp. There's a huge array of keyboards, skilfully manned by the likes of Guy Harrison and Cory Champion (Clear Path Ensemble), with a standout acoustic piano solo by Harrison on "Plume". Not to be outshone, the wind section delivers ecstatic saxophone riffs , futtering flutes and solid horn choruses throughout. Meanwhile, providing vital foundational support are the percussion (Soundway alumnus Julien Dyne), vibraphone, acoustic bass and full choir arranged by Matt Hunter.

It's a testament to their harmonious relationship and skill that this debut album instantly sounds like a classic from a group that might have been together a decade.

"Name checking Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders and Alice Coltrane, The Circling Sun is collective murderer's row of New Zealand jazz luminaries crafting modal/spiritual jazz." Aquarium Drunkard

"The vocal, trilling flute lines, the afro-cuban piano stabs, those scuttling rhythms, sci -f synths, the choral highs and sighs, all blend to give 'Kohan' a cosmic jazz to high pop fluidity." Backseat Mafia

"Brilliant from start to finish, Spirits is an impressive debut and will certainly have you on an astral trip through the cosmos. Definitely a strong candidate for record of the year!" Beat Caffeine

Press:
Ballantyne Communications is handling PR and are targeting the following outlets: Jazzwise, MOJO, UNCUT, Echoes, All About Jazz, All Music, Guardian Jazz, FT Jazz, Times Jazz, Artsdesk Jazz, BBC Music Magazine, Wire, Jazz Journal, Jazz Revelations, London Jazz News, Quietus Jazz, Stereogum, Jazziz, Jazzed.com, Bandcamp Jazz/Bird is the Worm, Downbeat, Jazz Mann, Jazz Views.

UK DJ & radio support support from: Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), Gilles Peterson, Nabihah Iqbal, Huey Morgan, Jamz Supernova (BBC Radio 6 Music), Zakia (NTS), Ruth Fisher, Tony Miniville, Sarah Ward, Jez Nelson (Jazz FM), Tim Garcia (Balamii), David Patterson (Jazz Funk Soul Radio), Kev Beadle (Totally Wired Radio), Basic Soul (Ness Radio), Adam Seiff (Deal Radio), George T (EHFM), Chris Coco (1 BTN), Martin Powell (BCB Radio), Twisted Soul (Blue-InGreen:RADIO)

Tracks:
1. Bones
2. Kohan
3. Veneer
4. Spirits Part 2
5. Bliss
6. Plume