Description
New Zealand jazz collective The Circling Sun expands on the cosmic soundscapes of their previous work, Spirits. Orbits is a masterful fusion of spiritual jazz, analog electronics, and percussive grooves.
While their previous album explored 1960s influences, this one draws primarily on the sounds of the mid-1970s. It unfolds a profound sonic world inspired by Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Yusef Lateef during their Atlantic era, as well as the Brazilian jazz of Azymuth and Airto Moreira.
Prophet synth arpeggios and modular synthesizers intertwine organically with saxophone, upright piano, vintage drums, and hand percussion. Moving seamlessly between Afro-Cuban rhythms and ambient jazz meditations, the tracks invite listeners on an interstellar sonic journey through layered vocals and choral textures.
The Circling Sun is one of New Zealand’s leading jazz ensembles, known for its distinctive sound that blends tradition and innovation. Its music will appeal to a wide audience, from jazz enthusiasts to fans of ambient and soulful instrumental music.
A1. Constellation
A2. Mizu
A3. Seki
A4. Amina
B1. Flying
B2. Teeth
B3. Evening
Following their acclaimed debut Spirits, New Zealand’s boundary-pushing jazz collective The Circling Sun return with their sophomore LP Orbits — a deeply layered fusion of spiritual jazz, analog electronics, and percussive groove. Where Spirits explored 1960s influences, Orbits shifts into the mid-’70s, drawing inspiration from Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Yusef Lateef’s Atlantic era, and the Brazilian jazz of Azymuth and Airto Moreira.
The ensemble blends arpeggiating Prophet synths and modular electronics with acoustic instrumentation: saxophone, upright piano, vintage drums, and hand-played percussion.
Tracks move seamlessly between danceable Afro-Cuban rhythms and expansive, ambient jazz meditations — with layered vocals and choral textures guiding the listener through
an interstellar sonic journey.
Lush yet accessible, Orbits appeals to both deep jazz heads and fans of ambient, soulful instrumental music.
