As the sun rises and highlights the morning dew on the still rather green grass while the early breeze blows, I’m in the mood for a quick run to get the blood flowing before diving into the morning which is definitely a jazz mood type of day. And what better way to start that with the amazing new release by Atlantis Jazz Ensemble which has been in heavy rotation this last week here at Nostalgia King and continues to be our morning theme. “Celestial Suite” is everything that we need and want from a jazz album that’s drenched in beautiful soundscapes.
A brilliant set of spiritual soul-jazz, with a righteous energy in the mode of some of the best work on independent labels such as Strata East or Tribe back in the day, though updated with a fresh current vibe. With the blend of electric piano, sax, trumpet, bass and percussion presented here, the quintet has refined the searching, soaring quality of their sound, capturing over the course of two days in the studio an inspired session worthy of the skyward promise of the album’s title.
Celestial Suite holds it’s very weight amongst the greatest of jazz albums that have been released throughout the years and very much has a timeless aesthetic in every way. Marked as their second album, the sails are obviously full with perfect weather ahead to keep this ensemble afloat and in full tune making this an essential release to own in your collection.