Neil Ardley – Harmony Of The Spheres [Analogue October Records Release]

Description

Analogue October Records is thrilled to announce the definitive vinyl reissue of Neil Ardley’s iconic 1979 album, “Harmony Of The Spheres.”

Revered for its innovative fusion of jazz, classical, and electronic music, this album has been meticulously mastered at Gearbox Records from the Original Analogue Master Tapes, ensuring the original sonic intentions are faithfully presented in their absolute best.

 

 

 

 

Neil Ardley

Neil Ardley (1937-2004) was not only a composer but also a prominent figure in the British jazz scene and a scientific author. Ardley stood out for his ability to bridge the gap between different musical genres, combining elements of jazz, classical, and electronic music in innovative ways. He was a part of the New Jazz Orchestra, which included some of the most influential figures in British jazz, such as Ian Carr and Jon Hiseman, helping to push the boundaries of the jazz genre.

Album Concept

“Harmony of the Spheres” was inspired by the ancient philosophical concept of musica universalis, or the harmony of the spheres, which posits that the proportions in the movements of celestial bodies—sun, moon, and planets—create a form of music. This idea influenced the structure and flow of the album, which aims to explore the metaphysical harmony created by these celestial bodies through music. The album reflects Ardley’s fascination with synthesisers and innovative sound technologies, melding these with traditional jazz instrumentation to create a lush, atmospheric soundscape that evokes the vastness and beauty of the cosmos.

Recording

The album was recorded in 1978 at the renowned Morgan Studios, featuring a lineup of legendary musicians from the British jazz scene. These included Ian Carr on trumpet and flugelhorn, Tony Coe on clarinet and soprano saxophone, and Barbara Thompson on flute and soprano saxophone. John Martyn, noted for his innovative guitar techniques, played electric and lead guitar. The recording utilized state-of-the-art technology of the time to layer acoustic instruments with synthesizers and other electronic effects, creating a rich, immersive listening experience. The use of ARP and Minimoog synthesizers was particularly notable, as they were among the most advanced synthesizers available at the time.

Release and Reception

Released in 1979 by Decca Records, the album did not achieve mainstream success but was highly regarded within the niche of progressive jazz enthusiasts and audiophiles. Its complex arrangements and the quality of its production made it a cult classic, admired for its artistic ambition and the clarity of its sound. The album’s release represented a significant achievement in blending different musical styles and technologies, making it a standout project in Ardley’s career and a cherished item among collectors of progressive and fusion jazz.

“Harmony of the Spheres” stands as a testament to Neil Ardley’s visionary approach to music, combining rigorous compositional methods with innovative sound technologies to explore deep philosophical themes. This album not only showcases his technical skill but also his profound understanding of the emotional and transcendent possibilities of music.

R&D and Mastering:

Our commitment to excellence is showcased through extensive research and development, utilizing cutting-edge audio technology from DS Audio, Emm Labs, and Origin Live. This careful analysis of the original 1979 pressings informs our mastering process, allowing us to capture the true essence of the music on high-quality vinyl. Mastered at Gearbox Records and cut directly from the original master tapes provided by Decca UK

The Artists:

Featuring stellar performances by:

– **Bass Guitar**: Bill Kristian

– **Clarinet, Soprano Saxophone**: Tony Coe

– **Drums, Percussion**: Richard Burgess

– **Keyboards and Synthesizers**: Geoff Castle

– **Flute, Saxophone**: Barbara Thompson

– **Guitar**: John Martyn

– **Trumpet**: Ian Carr

– **Vocals**: Norma Winstone, Pepi Lemer

Engineered and produced by Martin Levan, with Neil Ardley’s visionary leadership weaving these talents into a cohesive auditory tapestry.

Limited Edition Release

This reissue is an exclusive, hand-numbered edition limited to just 500 copies, pressed with precision at Optimal in Germany. Each copy is a celebration of sound, a collector’s dream ensuring the highest fidelity and a true analog experience. A fantastic 8 page booklet featuring a very extensive and detailed essay from Jazzwise editor Mike Flynn is included.