Levitation Orchestra - Illusions & Realities (2021)

Levitation Orchestra presents one of the most adventurous albums to bless our ears in 2021, bringing together multiple inspirations ranging across spiritual jazz, classical, electronica, soul, spoken word, M-Base, and no-holds-barred free improvisation. With trumpeter Axel Kaner-Lidstrom (Cykada, Gary Bartz) as musical director, the collective comprises some of London's most promising young musicians, who together play in or with the likes of Alabaster de Plume, Shunaji, Nihilism, PÆN, and Nardedey. Lluis Domenech Plana on flute, James Akers on tenor saxophone, and Ayodeji Ijishakin on tenor saxophone complete the horn section, with Saskia Horton on violin, Beatriz Rola on violin, and Emma Barnaby on cello making up the strings. Rhythm is available in handfuls from Hamish Nockles-Moore on double bass and Harry Ling on drums, complemented by Roella Oloro on keys, Maria Osuchowska on harp, and Paris Charles on guitar, with last but not least, Plumm and Dilara Aydin-Corbett on vocals.

As a true collective, each member is vital, contributing equally to the whole in terms of playing and writing. Compositions formed out of group discussions, which in the case of Illusions & Realities, delved into childhood, stoicism, astrophysical theories, and neurological delusions, all interweaving and circling the point where truth and reality enter the realm of illusion. The result is a record which manages to channels the energy of Sun Ra's Arkestra, the spiritual ambience of Alice Coltrane, and the harmonic subtleties of Debussy, whilst ultimately producing something tantalisingly original.

Axel Kaner-Lidstrom - Trumpet
Lluis Domenech Plana - Flute
James Akers - Tenor Saxophone
Ayodeji Ijishakin - Tenor Saxophone
Saskia Horton - Violin
Beatriz Rola - Violin
Emma Barnaby - Cello
Maria Osuchowska - Harp
Paris Charles - Guitar
Hamish Nockles-Moore - Double Bass
Harry Ling - Drums
Plumm - Vocals
Dilara Aydin-Corbett - Vocals
Roella Oloro - Keys