Abey Sparks Unveils Jazz Album ‘Behold The Orb’ with Cosmic Themes

Abey Sparks has released a new jazz album titled Behold The Orb, which invites listeners to explore a world of cosmic themes and innovative sounds. The album features the artist’s unique style, blending ethereal elements with deep emotional storytelling. Sparks, who has spent the last several years in Wellington, New Zealand, draws inspiration from personal reflections on global injustices and the need for transformative vision.

The opening track, “struck by the prophecy,” introduces the album with a whimsical soundscape, featuring a hand-turned organ. Sparks whispers a call for “more strange evasions,” suggesting that listeners may find solace in “the orb.” This concept represents a departure from the harsh realities of contemporary life, offering an antidote to the constraints imposed by societal norms. Sparks elaborates on this vision, stating that the orb symbolizes a grand idea of what the world could be, free from existing authorities.

Sparks formed a quartet for live performances during the album’s initial outings last year, collaborating with talented musicians such as Chris Beernink on bass, Mitch Dwyer on guitar, and Will Hanlon on saxophone. The selection of these artists was intentional, as Sparks aimed to work with individuals who possess their own creative legacies and bring a collaborative spirit to the project.

Recording took place at Tiny Triumph Recordings in January 2023, following a series of intensive rehearsals. Sparks describes the recording process as exhilarating, with the quartet capturing their sound in a single day. Additional layers of saxophones, woodwinds, and vocals were added later, with Sparks utilizing a DIY approach to complete the album on their laptop.

While some might associate the album’s choral elements with the work of Kamasi Washington, Sparks points to different influences for this project. Notably, the music of Maurice Ravel and the album It’s Time by Max Roach were pivotal in shaping the sound. Sparks appreciates the otherworldly quality of Ravel’s choral arrangements and Roach’s innovative vocal techniques, both of which informed the album’s production.

Vocalist Frida Flacks plays a significant role in the album, elevating the music with her emotional depth and spontaneous vocal arrangements. Sparks praises Flacks for her ability to connect with the overarching vision of the project, contributing to a rich tapestry of sound that intertwines the real and the fantastical.

The interplay between worldly and otherworldly elements is a recurring theme throughout Behold The Orb. Sparks notes that their musical vocabulary draws from a range of influences, enabling them to navigate various genres to enhance the storytelling. The album’s title track encapsulates this blending, with moments of anticipation and awe reflected in the music’s shifts from bossa nova to jazz swing.

Sparks emphasizes their desire to transcend traditional genre boundaries, instead focusing on the emotional resonance of their music. As the album unfolds, listeners are invited to embark on a journey that challenges conventional expectations and celebrates imaginative exploration.

Behold The Orb is now available for download on Bandcamp, marking an exciting new chapter for Abey Sparks and their artistic vision.