Oh how I like an ambient album or two on a Sunday. Even if it’s not for active listening, but like this morning in the headphones on a sun blessed, early morning autumn walk by the river or whilst catching up on the news, or reading about child development, my main source of reading material these days. Let’s see how the theory translates to reality in thirteen years time!
So imagine my delight when I checked in my diary and the first link I opened was for The Cosmic Tones Research Trio’s debut LP. Any release with the word cosmic in it already has one foot in the blog/newsletter, but I was overjoyed to find the LP unifies an ambient sensibility with the humblest of spiritual jazz and by nature of its contemplative, oh so gentle approach to note generation also enters wellness imbuing new age realms. I’m almost too relaxed to type.
The Cosmic Tones Research Trio first came to my attention as Trio member Roman Norfleet had previously marshalled the well named Be Present Art Group in recent times, for a couple of rawer, freer spirited jazz excursions, with this year’s Spiritual Sonic-Research Series recording first teasing the trio’s existence. He’s really got the bit between his teeth at the moment and seems hellbent on recreating those pan American arkestras and collectives of the 60s and 70s in Portland, which as far as I’m aware - perhaps due to its far northern geography, has hardly been known for its jazz scene?
On All Is Sound, Norfleet eschews any leadership role to become one with the hive mind, contributing some perfectly judged sax and flute which melt into Kennedy Verrett’s keys, flute, small percussion and didgeridoo, as Harlan Silverman eases in some elongated cello bowing, more flute, small percussion and subtle electronics. Don’t let the extensive instrument list fool you though, the LP really is an exercise in restraint, enabled by the trio’s telepathy and considerate, minimal approach, culminating in as serene an LP as you’ll hear this year. It really is a lovely listen and I urge you to sink into it.
Playlist Companion
My jazz playlist does include a few bangers, so if you’ve had this LP on repeat for a bit and feel like a change whist wishing to retain a similar sense of wellbeing, then check out The New Age of New Age Playlist.
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