Recorded in 1977 and now reissued in ECM’s audiophile Luminessence vinyl series, the debut album of the Azimuth trio was truly ahead of its time. Formed by adding Canadian-born trumpeter Kenny Wheeler to the British duo of pianist John Taylor and vocalist Norma Winstone, the group’s futuristic musical palette embraced hypnotic, minimalistic pulse patterns, otherworldly synthesizer sounds, songs, collective improvisation and solo flights. In recent seasons, the number of listeners under Azimuth’s sway has grown exponentially, as the music has adapted itself to new contexts. And the vast international audience that has heard fragments of Azimuth’s “The Tunnel” as part of a major rap hit in 2023 can now discover the original in its pristine form, still magical after all these years – as is the whole album. Produced by Manfred Eicher, this new edition with gatefold sleeve adds liner notes detailing Azimuth’s story.
