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LP
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AOR 002ST-LP
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$61.50
PREORDER
RELEASE DATE: 5/16/2025
180 Gram vinyl, hand numbered edition of 500, ultra gloss sleeve on 380 gsm card, black poly-lined inner, eight-page booklet printed on 330 gsm card. Neil Ardley'S Harmony Of The Spheres returns to vinyl for the first time in over 40 years. Analogue October Records presents the long-awaited licensed reissue of Harmony of the Spheres, Neil Ardley's cosmic jazz masterpiece, originally released in 1979 by Decca. This marks the first vinyl reissue of the album since its original release, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience this extraordinary record in its purest form. Recorded at the legendary Morgan Studios and produced by the esteemed Martin Levan, Harmony of the Spheres is another bold evolution in Ardley's ever-expanding musical journey. A unique blend of jazz, electronic synthesis, and progressive rock, the album explores the ancient Greek concept that planets create celestial harmonies as they move through space. Using precise astronomical calculations, Ardley transposed planetary orbits into a nine-note chord -- one that extends beyond the range of traditional acoustic instruments, making synthesizers the only means of fully realizing this cosmic sound. The album features an all-star lineup, including the visionary John Martyn on guitar, saxophonist Barbara Thompson, Tony Coe, Ian Carr, and keyboardist Geoff Castle, alongside the formidable rhythm section of Billy Kristian (bass), Richard Burgess (drums), and Trevor Tomkins (percussion). Following the reissue success of Journey to the Urge Within (1986) by Courtney Pine, Analogue October Records' founder Craig Crane embarked on a mission to restore Harmony of the Spheres to its full sonic glory. Working with Gearbox and using Decca's original 15ips 2-track stereo master tapes, this reissue is a true AAA release -- an all-analogue production with no digital step. The album was meticulously cut directly from the tapes and pressed to the highest standards at Optimal in Germany. Inside the deluxe package, fans will discover an eight-page booklet featuring an in-depth essay by Jazzwise magazine editor Mike Flynn, along with never-before-seen photos from the original recording sessions. This reissue is just the beginning -- Analogue October Records is committed to further explorations of Neil Ardley's work, alongside other deep cuts from the UK's vibrant 1970s jazz fusion and jazz-rock scene. Whether you're rediscovering Harmony of the Spheres or experiencing it for the first time, this release is a testament to the artistry and innovation of Neil Ardley.
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LP
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LANRH 003LP
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Reissue, originally released in 1976. Kaleidoscope of Rainbows in unmistakably a trait d'union between the British (orchestral) jazz-rock heritage and a more confident way of writing. Heading clearly to different directions, the album showcases the talent of the main composer with the singular talent of trumpet player Ian Carr (Nucleus), cello player Paul Buckmaster (otherwise known for his collaboration with David Bowie and Miles Davis) and master clarinet player Tony Coe. This is the final part of an Ardley trilogy, preceded by Greek Variations (1969) and A Symphony of Amaranths (1971). Here, Neil Ardley uses Balinese scales -- the pelog, a Gamelan scale comprising seven notes, and the slendro, an older, more commonly used Gamelan scale. They are used in a variety of note patterns, each unique combination the basis of a series of "Rainbow" compositions, from "Rainbow 1" to "7". This brand new concept is fitting, showing different strategies and a more exotic feel with a certain minimalist counterpoint. A new beginning to a certain degree, with the spacey 1979 masterpiece Harmony of the Spheres soon to come. Fully licensed. 180 gram vinyl.
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