Chip Wickham - Astral Traveling (2022) Hi Res

Gondwana Records are delighted to welcome saxophonist and flautist Chip Wickham to the family. An original member of the Gondwana Orchestra, Chip played on Matthew Halsall's debut album 'Sending My Love' and has regularly played with the Orchestra while also leading his own excellent band.

We're super delighted that Chip has joined Gondwana Records and even more delighted to be releasing his first ever covers 12" – in our occasional spiritual jazz 12 series alongside past releases from Matthew Halsall and The Gondwana Orchestra featuring Dwight Trible.

For his release, Chip chose three deep cuts associated with the legendary pianist Lonnie-Liston Smith, subtly updated to create a beautiful 21st Century take on the Spiritual jazz of the early 70s. Sais' from the maestro's iconic Cosmic Funk album is a breezy, beautiful tune that's incessant groove is lifted into the outer reaches by gorgeous horn arrangements and some of the lushed flute playing anywhere. Astral Travelling is driven by glistening harp, contemporary drums and features one of Chip's most beautiful arrangements. And Peaceful One features a low-slung sultry groove, sublime horn arrangements and some of Chip's finest tenor playing to date, creating a perfect slice of mid-tempo jazz perfection.