Orbits (Deluxe Version) The Circling Sun

• 1 Constellation 07:31
• 2 Mizu 03:13
• 3 Seki 04:19
• 4 Amina 04:04
• 5 Flying 05:10
• 6 Teeth 07:22
• 7 Evenin 04:32
• 8 Flora and Fauna 04:20
• 9 Realms 06:06
• 10 Bliss (Part 2) 03:52
• Total Runtime 50:29

Info for Orbits (Deluxe Version)

The Circling Sun are a Jazz Ensemble from New Zealand, whose debut album from 2023 ‘Spirits’ was one of that year’s highlights. They return with a possibly even stronger album ‘Orbits’ which combines Spiritual Jazz with Latin rhythms to create a beautiful album. ‘Constellation’ shows a very Pharoah Sanders ‘Theresa’ period influence with ethereal, incidental wordless backing vocals from the Love Affinity Choir, which in fact could be said about the whole album. ‘Mizu’ has a lovely feel, good factor and latin rhythms, a joyous track to behold. ‘Seki’ is more laid back and melodic. ‘Amina’ is a deeper and more spiritual track. ‘Flying’ is another upbeat track with really cool vibes. ‘Teeth’ is the closest to the sound of their debut. Overall a very uplifting album to keep our spirits in Orbit during these times.

After their highly acclaimed debut Spirits, the New Zealand jazz collective is back with their second album - a multi-layered fusion of spiritual jazz, analog electronics and percussive groove. While Spirits explored the influences of the 1960s, Orbits shifts to the mid-70s and draws inspiration from Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Yusef Lateef's Atlantic era and the Brazilian jazz of Azymuth and Airto Moreira. The ensemble mixes arpeggiating Prophet synthesizers and modular electronics with acoustic instruments: saxophone, piano, vintage drums and hand-played percussion. The tracks move seamlessly between danceable Afro-Cuban rhythms and extended jazz meditations - with layered vocals and choral textures that take the listener through an interstellar sonic journey. Orbits is lush yet accessible, appealing to jazz fans and fans of soulful instrumental music alike.

Cameron Alle, flute, tenor saxophone
Jong-Yun (J.Y.) Lee, flute alto, tenor, baritone and soprano saxophones, bass clarinet, clarinet
Ben Turua, double bass
Joe Kaptein, piano, Fender Rhodes electric piano, synthesizer, guitar
Finn Scholes, trumpet, flugelhorn, vibraphone, tuba, trombone, marimba
Julien Dyne, drums, percussion
Kenny Sterling, additional percussion, synthesizer, choir direction
Special guetes:
John Bell, tenor horn, cornet
Daniel Ryland, guitar
Cory Champion, Korg MS-20, Buchla Modular synthesizer
Brandon Haru, Prophet Synthesizer
Semisi Ma'ia'i, Choir Lyrics

The Circling Sun
Spiritual jazz from some of new zealand’s brightest stars !

New Zealand’s jazz luminaries have assembled to form an all star cluster: The Circling Sun.

Originally formed in mid 2000s, the New Zealand based jazz collective, are set to release their debut LP Spirits, an eight track collection that channels the greats of spiritual and modal jazz and their own unique South Pacific spirit and sensibility.

The group pay homage to Afro-American genre pioneers such as Alice Coltrane, Yusef Lateef and Pharoah Sanders, whilst incorporating a whole lot of love and appreciation for a myriad of Afro, Latin and contemporary musical forms. The choir used for the recording is made up of mostly Pacific Island and Maori singers and artists, an important acknowledgement of and reflection on their countries own culture and heritage that seeps into all their work.

This album contains no booklet.