Ancient Infinity Orchestra is a 14-member jazz ensemble led by
double-bassist and composer Ozzy Moysey, based in the bustling creative
city of Leeds in the North of England – home to one of the most
innovative and community-based jazz scenes in the UK. Saxophonist Mathew
Cliffe, who also performs with Matthew Halsall, is a key member of the
rotating line-up which includes drums, two bassists, keyboards, harp,
violin, cello, two tenors, alto, oboe, flute and percussion.
Their Gondwana Records debut ‘River of Light’ is out on 17th November
and drinks deep from the well of spiritual jazz. This music is
especially inspired by the soulful sounds of Pharoah Sanders, Alice and
John Coltrane – all of whom are mentioned in the brilliant track
‘Pharoah Sings’ – but also channels a certain Northern sensibility that
can be heard in the music of Matthew Halsall or Alabaster de Plume.
Melodic, warm and honest this is music that is happy to wear its heart
on its sleeve.
This is also communal music made by friends, which offers a deep
celebration of togetherness and of music-making. It’s confidently deep
music, moving and meditative, and Ozzy draws on philosophy and nature as
well as musical inspirations to foster a focus on giving and sharing beautiful things with one another and with the listener.
Bandleader Ozzy explains,
“It was a joyous three days of recording together with the Leeds based
band of 14, combined with a similar sized choir of friends from Brighton
joining us. Seeing them meet for the first time and witnessing their
incredible dedication and passion for music together, there was such a
wholesome atmosphere that was so fun to be a part of. Members of the
choir cooked for over 30 people each day, descending, each morning, on
mass, to the studio and melting together in the heat of the height of
summer. Between tracks, the band jammed in the corridors, sat in the sun
and laughed a lot. The atmosphere of all these people meeting in the
heat of summer, eating, laughing and creating something together -
really shines through on these recordings.”
Tracklist:
1. Greeting
2. Rejoicing
3. Niyama
4. Michael & Zelah
5. Equanimity
6. Spring Break on Trappist-1
7. Arc of the Sun
8. Love Song
9. River of Light
10. Pharoah Sing