The conclusion of the triptych; 'Oceanic Suite' (2016), 'Celestial Suite' (2023) has arrived in a spirital climax as the Atlantis Jazz Ensemble emerge out of the sea with tridents in hand!
You'll recall that the last time we featured Marlow Records was the Cinephonic album 'Refuge' (see review HERE) that was a project of Pierre Chrétien, also known for his work in Souljazz Orchestra and Atlantis Jazz Ensemble.
Well, here he is again in a quintet aided by Petr Cancura (tenor saxophone, percussion) who was a long time member in Cecil McBee's group and Marielle Rivard (percussion) who is another member of Souljazz Orchestra..
There's a big fusion sound to match the classical Greek Gods. From the sword hanging over the introduction of 'Damocles', "before the full band drops a dark Elvin Jones-style mambo" to the rising of 'Spirits Unseen'.
And if you're into the jazzdance groove. 'As The River Flows' will carry out to the unburned joy of the bossa swing on the shoreline before you find yourself at Afrobeat infused 'Gates Of The Sun'.
Don't forget to check out the earlier ablums but as a backwards introduction to the jazz band from Atlantis, the is the 'Mystic Suite' of a starting point; as DJ Kev Beadle has already said, "One of my favourite records of the year" and it's only February!
Artisit: Atlantis Jazz Ensemble070
Title: Mystic Suite
Release date: 27th February, 2026
Label: Marlow Records
Catalog No. MRLP
Format: Vinyl / CD / Digital / Bandcamp
Personnel:
Ed Lister - trumpet, flugelhorn
Zakari Frantz - alto saxophone, percussion
Pierre Chrétien - electric piano, percussion
Chris Pond - bass
Mike Essoudry - drums
with:
Petr Cancura - tenor saxophone, percussion
Marielle Rivard - percussion
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