https://www.rrr.org.au/subscriber-giveaways/the-circling-sun-orbitsCloses 27 July 2025, 11 pm
Win a copy of Orbits AOTW
Orbits is the second LP from The Circling Sun, a jazz collective from Aotearoa/New Zealand that includes musicians from the country's jazz scene. The album draws from mid-1970s spiritual traditions, Brazilian samba rhythms, and Afro-Cuban grooves, with arrangements inspired by pioneers like Yusef Lateef, Alice Coltrane, Sun Ra, alongside Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Azymuth.
The talent is deep. Julien Dyne on drums and Ben Turua on acoustic bass form the core rhythm section. Jong-Yun Lee plays the full saxophone family plus clarinets, while Finn Scholes covers trumpet, flugelhorn, vibraphone, and marimba. Joe Kaptein handles acoustic and electric keyboards alongside guitar, with synth melodies and textures supplied by Cory Champion and Brandon Haru. The Love Affinity Choir, arranged by Matt Hunter, also features prominently, with wordless vocals that shine across the record.
As the album name suggests, Orbits moves with celestial grace. Opener 'Constellation' revolves around a vibraphone motif, with extended solos for piano and saxophone. Other pieces, like 'Mizu,' centre on a clear samba rhythm, while the closing track 'Evening' explores a more ambient, spacious sound.
Enter now
Australian Competitions Club
