Jazz Innovator Abey Sparks Releases Album “Behold The Orb”

Abey Sparks, a rising talent in the jazz scene, has unveiled their latest album, Behold The Orb, showcasing a unique blend of musical influences and innovative storytelling. The album draws listeners in with its ethereal soundscapes, crafted during a series of rehearsals and recording sessions at Tiny Triumph Recordings in Wellington earlier this year.

The opening track, which features a gentle, hand-turned organ, sets the tone for Sparks’ vision. They suggest that the world requires “more strange evasions” and hints at the notion of finding these within “the orb.” The second track, “orbital rim,” continues this theme, exploring the blurred lines between imagination and reality. Sparks describes the orb as a counter to the “hard-edged tesseract” of contemporary existence, reflecting their desire for a more expansive and transformative experience through music.

In a recent phone interview, Sparks explained the existential concerns that fueled this project. They expressed frustration with the “cosmic injustice” prevalent in the world, stating, “the orb was about creating this grand vision of what the world could be, without appealing to existing authorities.” This ambitious concept emphasizes the need for something more transcendent to challenge conventional norms.

To bring this vision to life, Sparks assembled a talented quartet featuring Chris Beernink on bass, Mitch Dwyer on guitar, and Will Hanlon on saxophone, all prominent players in the Wellington music scene. Sparks highlighted the importance of collaboration, saying, “Each person lives a great creative life in their own right and they’re amazing people to work with.”

The quartet recorded their parts live in a single day, capturing the intensity of their rehearsals. Sparks then added layers of saxophones, woodwinds, and vocals throughout the year, utilizing their laptop for the DIY process. The result is an album that seamlessly blends various genres, reflecting Sparks’ eclectic musical vocabulary.

While some may notice influences from artists like Kamasi Washington, Sparks cites Maurice Ravel‘s ballet score for Daphnis et Chloe and Max Roach‘s album It’s Time as key inspirations. They admire the otherworldly choral sounds in Ravel’s work and Roach’s vocal arrangements, which played a significant role in shaping the album’s sound.

The collaboration with vocalist Frida Flacks brought an added depth to the music. Sparks noted, “Once I had Frida on board, it elevated the music to new heights,” as her vocal arrangements captured the emotional essence of the project.

The interplay of the mundane and the magical is a central theme in Behold The Orb. Sparks emphasized that the connection between sound and storytelling was vital to their production choices. This relationship is established early, as the album transitions from the whispered opening to the inviting groove of “struck by the prophecy,” which incorporates elements of bossa nova.

Sparks prefers to draw from a broad musical palette, allowing emotions and images to dictate the genre rather than adhering to predefined categories. They stated, “I definitely like when music can transcend genre in that way,” highlighting their intention to create a free-flowing musical experience.

Listeners can explore the diverse soundscapes of Behold The Orb, available for download on Bandcamp. As Sparks continues to push the boundaries of jazz, their work invites audiences to engage with the deeper truths of the human experience.