{"title":"Neil Ardley","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"a-symphony-of-amaranths","title":"A Symphony Of Amaranths","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the big names in UK Jazz, \u003cstrong\u003eNeil Ardley\u003c\/strong\u003e was offered the leadership of the seminal New Jazz Orchestra in 1964. Under his direction, the Orchestra moved through different styles and changes of personnel, bringing in musicians such as \u003cstrong\u003eMike Gibbs\u003c\/strong\u003e (trombone), \u003cstrong\u003eHarry Beckett\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eHenry Lowther\u003c\/strong\u003e (trumpets) or even \u003cstrong\u003eJack Bruce\u003c\/strong\u003e (bass).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome of them also contributed with the writing of some original compositions, making the NJO the root from which the UK’s 70’s jazz scene was to blossom. By 1972, the NJO was already defunct, but his legacy remained in the works of its members. Ardley’s \u003cem\u003eA Symphony Of Amaranths\u003c\/em\u003e is a perfect example of what was boiling in the UK jazz scene.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wah Wah Records","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50442148446539,"sku":"2194469","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":51872186171723,"sku":"R2026-1038","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP - Clear","offer_id":51872186204491,"sku":"R2026-9373","price":32.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_2578f900_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726993212"},{"product_id":"kaleidoscope-of-rainbows","title":"Kaleidoscope of Rainbows","description":"\u003cp\u003e1976 \u003ci\u003eKaleidoscope of Rainbows\u003c\/i\u003e in unmistakably a trait d’union between the british (orchestral) jazz-rock heritage and a more confident way of writing. Heading clearly to different directions, the album showcase the talent of the main composer with the singular talent of trumpet player Ian Carr (Nucleus), cello player Paul Buckmaster (otherwise known for his collaboration with David Bowie and Miles Davis) and master clarinet player Tony Coe. This is the final part of an Ardley trilogy, preceded by Greek \u003ci\u003eVariations\u003c\/i\u003e (1969) and \u003ci\u003eA Symphony of Amaranths\u003c\/i\u003e (1971). Here, Ardley uses Balinese scales – the pelog, a Gamelan scale comprising seven notes, and the slendro, an older, more commonly used Gamelan scale. They are used in a variety of note patterns, each unique combination the basis of a series of ‘Rainbow’ compositions, from ‘Rainbow 1’ to ‘Rainbow 7’. This brand new concept is fitting, showing different strategies and a more exotic feel with a certain minimalist counterpoint. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lantern Heights","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50453788066123,"sku":"1160518","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/d4436b1a-75ac-4bdf-b3c2-5f3679946625_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727176921"},{"product_id":"harmony-of-the-spheres","title":"Harmony Of The Spheres","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnalogue October Records proudly presents the long-awaited LICENSED reissue of Harmony of the Spheres, Neil Ardley’s cosmic jazz masterpiece, originally released in 1979 by Decca. This marks the first vinyl reissue of the album since its original release, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience this extraordinary record in its purest form.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Visionary Fusion of Jazz and Science\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecorded at the legendary Morgan Studios and produced by the esteemed Martin Levan, Harmony of the Spheres is another bold evolution in Ardley’s ever-expanding musical journey. A unique blend of jazz, electronic synthesis, and progressive rock, the album explores the ancient Greek concept that planets create celestial harmonies as they move through space. Using precise astronomical calculations, Ardley transposed planetary orbits into a nine-note chord—one that extends beyond the range of traditional acoustic instruments, making synthesizers the only means of fully realizing this cosmic sound.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe album features an all-star lineup, including the visionary John Martyn on guitar, saxophonist Barbara Thompson, Tony Coe, Ian Carr, and keyboardist Geoff Castle, alongside the formidable rhythm section of Billy Kristian (bass), Richard Burgess (drums), and Trevor Tomkins (percussion).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA True AAA Reissue – Cut Direct from the Original Master Tapes\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Analogue October Records","offers":[{"title":"LP - Black","offer_id":51496542830923,"sku":"R1433-2053","price":47.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/IMB8CzfQ.png?v=1742586508"},{"product_id":"kaleidoscope-of-rainbows-1","title":"Kaleidoscope of Rainbows","description":"\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Definitive 2LP Reissue of a Landmark in British Jazz Fusion \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnalogue October Records proudly presents the long-awaited reissue of \u003cem\u003eKaleidoscope of Rainbows\u003c\/em\u003e, Neil Ardley’s 1976 masterpiece, originally released on Gull Records. Produced by Neil Ardley and recorded at London’s famed Morgan Studios, the sessions were engineered and mixed by Martin Levan, capturing one of the most ambitious and beloved works in British jazz. Following the acclaimed reissues of Courtney Pine’s\u003cem\u003e Journey to the Urge Within \u003c\/em\u003e(AOR-001-ST) and Neil Ardley’s \u003cem\u003eHarmony of the Spheres\u003c\/em\u003e (AOR-002-ST)—both praised by the audiophile press including The Tracking Angle—this third release confirms Analogue October as one of today’s most meticulous and exciting reissue labels. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Suite of Sound and Colour \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommissioned for the 1975 Camden Jazz Festival, \u003cem\u003eKaleidoscope of Rainbows\u003c\/em\u003e is structured as a seven-part suite, each movement reflecting a colour of the spectrum. Ardley’s composition weaves together jazz improvisation, progressive rock energy, and orchestral elegance in one of the most imaginative British jazz recordings of the era. Featuring Ian Carr, Barbara Thompson, Tony Coe, Trevor Tomkins, and Geoff Castle, the album is a who’s who of the UK’s vibrant 1970s jazz scene. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCut at Abbey Road, Pressed at Record Industry \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor this definitive edition, Analogue October worked directly from the original Gull master tapes. Mastering was entrusted to Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios, using his renowned half-speed process to extract every detail and dynamic from Ardley’s score. To give the music the headroom it deserves, the reissue has been expanded to a deluxe 2LP set, pressed on the highest-quality vinyl at Record Industry in Haarlem, Netherlands. The result is a presentation that finally does justice to the scope and brilliance of Ardley’s vision. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDeluxe Package – Restored from the Source \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe artwork has been meticulously restored from the original film elements, ensuring a sleeve of unmatched vibrancy and fidelity. Inside, a 12-page booklet printed on heavyweight card features an in-depth essay on Neil Ardley and the making of Kaleidoscope of Rainbows, written by Jazzwise magazine editor Mike Flynn, alongside rare photographs from the period. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Analogue October Records","offers":[{"title":"2LP - Black","offer_id":53530914390347,"sku":"R4484-9533","price":57.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Neil-Ardley-KOR-Front-1-1536x1522.jpg?v=1759572970"},{"product_id":"kaleidoscope-of-rainbows-50th-anniversary-edition","title":"Kaleidoscope Of Rainbows - 50th Anniversary Edition","description":"\u003cp\u003eA landmark recording in British modern jazz. The 50th anniversary of \u003cem\u003eKaleidoscope Of Rainbows \u003c\/em\u003eby Neil Ardley. Newly remastered with new liner notes by Sid Smith. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis marvellous work completed a trilogy of works composed by Neil Ardley that had begun with \u003cem\u003eThe Greek Variations\u003c\/em\u003e and continued with A\u003cem\u003e Symphony Of Amar\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eanths,\u003c\/em\u003e works which were based on a sequence of notes that provided the basis for composition and improvisation.  \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOriginally released in 1976,\u003cem\u003e Kaleidoscope Of Rainbows\u003c\/em\u003e was a series of pieces based on the five note scale of Balinese Gamelan music. The recording sessions featured contributions from such luminaries as Ian Carr (Nucleus), Paul Buckmaster, Barbara Thompson, Dave MacRae, Tony Coe and Geoff Castle.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe album is now regarded as a landmark recording in British modern jazz, although the compositions also displayed influences from world music and beyond, utilising synthesisers, it is a groundbreaking and thoroughly absorbing piece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Esoteric Recordings","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":56895231426891,"sku":"R0680-4814","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Screenshot2026-03-27at14.26.59.png?v=1774621747"}],"url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/collections\/neil-ardley.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}