It’s been just over two years since we’ve been treated to a new project by Atlantis Jazz Ensemble whose previous LP, Celestial Suite has remained in a pretty regular rotation here at Nostalgia King. Although the last two years have gone pretty fast, our curiosity of wondering when we could expect something new was suddenly satisfied when we received word of their latest release, Mystic Suite which hit our radar. To say that excitement was high is rather an understatement and if you’re familiar with Atlantis Jazz Ensemble then you’ll know exactly why. The saying, everything happens in 3’s usually holds true and with 3 LPs under their belt, “Oceanic Suite” (2016), “Celestial Suite” (2023), and now “Mystic Suite” (2026) they’ve definitely saved the best for last.
As you might expect, this “Mystic Suite”, inspired by Hades’ supernatural realm, is perhaps the most intense, unusual and sublime of the three albums. It channels the energy of the spiritual jazz offered back in the 1970s by labels such as Strata-East, Tribe and Black Jazz, mixed with the urgency presented by the best of today’s jazz underground, fiercely struggling and searching for meaning within this era of global tumult. This is a meaningful record, driven by human connection, the kind that is only possible when like-minded musicians interact face-to-face within the same room.