Spirits: Vinyl LP

Label: Soundway
Release Date: 19th May

Spiritual latin-infused jazz from the Land of the Long White Cloud featuring some of New Zealand's best modern jazz players. This record has such a freeing and timeless sound, a real Sunday morning chilling down or a Saturday afternoon loosening up. Either way, one of the best new spiritual offerings we've heard this year.

For those who dig: Sun Ra, Pharoah and The Coltranes.

New Zealand's jazz luminaries have assembled to form an all-star cluster:
The Circling Sun. 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 , fluttering 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.