The Circling Sun - Orbits (2025) [Hi-Res]

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.

THE CIRCLING SUN
Cameron Allen - Flute and Tenor Saxophone
Jong-Yun (J.Y.) Lee - Flute Alto, Tenor, Baritone and Soprano Saxophones, Bass Clarinet, Clarinet
Ben Turua - Acoustic Bass
Joe Kaptein - Piano, Fender Rhodes Electric Piano, Synthesizer, Guitar
Finn Scholes - Trumpet, Flugelhorn, Vibraphone, Tuba, Trombone, Marimba
Julien Dyne - Drums and Percussion
Kenny Sterling - Additional Percussion, Synthesizer, Choir Direction & Lyrics

SPECIAL GUESTS
John Bell - Tenor Horn, Cornet (A2, B3)
Daniel Ryland - Guitar (A4)
Cory Champion - Korg MS-20, Buchla Modular Synthesizer (All tracks)
Brandon Haru - Prophet Synthesizer (All tracks)
Semisi Ma'ia'i - Choir Lyrics (A4)

Featuring THE LOVE AFFINITY CHOIR
Kenny Sterling, Summer Vee, Crystal Chen , Semisi Ma'ia'i, Abigail Aroha Jensen, Carla Camilleri Samara Alofa, Navakatoa Tekela-Pule, Emily Fe'ao