Lucien Johnson - Ancient Relics (2024) [Hi-Res]

Saxophonist and composer Lucien Johnson left his native country of New Zealand at the age of 22 to make his way as a musician on the Parisian free jazz scene. With just a smattering of French, he mixed with many of the scene’s pioneers forming a trio with maverick bassist Alan Silva, one of jazz’s most inventive players (known for his work with Cecil Taylor, Sun Ra, Albert Ayler and Archie Shepp) with whom he recorded one album, ‘Stinging Nettles’. Since then, Johnson has returned to New Zealand to become a multi-award-winning and much-in-demand player. His mesmerising, contemporary jazz all comes together perfectly on the saxophonist’s sophomore, spiritual recording “Ancient Relics”.

Lucien Johnson - Saxophones and compositions
Natalia Lagi'itaua Mann - Harp
Jonathan Crayford - Piano and wurlitzer
Tom Callwood - Double Bass
Julien Dyne - Percussion
Cory Champion - Drums

Ancient Relics is a journey which is at once poignant and mesmerizing, slowly gathering in intensity. A compositional vehicle of astral exploration, the music is enveloped by Johnson’s saxophone’s dark velvety beauty.

Over a deep, throbbing grooves, the harp, vibraphone and soprano saxophone swirl and collide in an orbit of fragmentary melodies of astronomical proportions.

★★★★ Mojoai: “undeniable beauty elusively wrought “

★★★★ All About Jazz: “a stone delight”

★★★★★ UK Vibe: “one of the year’s musical highlights”

Tracklist:
1.01 - Lucien Johnson - Ancient Relics (6:28)
1.02 - Lucien Johnson - Embers (6:26)
1.03 - Lucien Johnson - Ada (6:01)
1.04 - Lucien Johnson - Escape Capsule (5:41)
1.05 - Lucien Johnson - Space Junk (5:06)
1.06 - Lucien Johnson - Satellites (6:21)