Abey Sparks Unveils Ambitious Jazz Album “Behold The Orb”

Abey Sparks, a rising star in the jazz scene, has released their new album, Behold The Orb, which invites listeners into a unique and ethereal musical landscape. The album reflects Sparks’ deep engagement with existential themes and a desire to explore the boundaries between imagination and reality.

The opening track sets the tone with a whisper, suggesting the world could benefit from “more strange evasions.” Sparks, who has been based in Wellington after growing up in Dunedin, emphasizes the importance of transcending conventional norms through art. They describe the orb as an emblem of hope, one that contrasts sharply with the rigid structures of today’s society. “I think the orb was about creating this grand vision of what the world could be, without appealing to existing authorities and hegemonies,” Sparks explains in a recent phone interview.

Sparks assembled a talented quartet for the album’s first live performances, enlisting musicians Chris Beernink on bass, Mitch Dwyer on guitar, and Will Hanlon on saxophone. “I was definitely thinking about the people behind the instruments when I chose the band,” Sparks notes, acknowledging their individual creative talents.

In January 2023, the group recorded the album at Tiny Triumph Recordings in Wellington. Sparks recalls that the intensity of their rehearsals mirrored the album’s thematic depth. “We recorded all the quartet stuff in one day, live in a room together,” Sparks recounts. The subsequent overdubs, which included additional saxophones and woodwinds, were recorded throughout the year, showcasing Sparks’ dedication to the project.

Listeners might draw parallels between Behold The Orb and the work of American jazz musician Kamasi Washington, particularly with its rich choral arrangements. However, Sparks cites other influences as primary inspirations, including Maurice Ravel’s score for the ballet Daphnis et Chloé and the album It’s Time by renowned drummer Max Roach. “I just hear something so otherworldly and magical about the choral sounds in the Ravel work,” they say.

The collaboration with vocalist Frida Flacks has significantly elevated the album’s sound. Sparks describes Flacks’ contributions as transformative, capturing the emotional essence of the music with her dynamic vocal arrangements. “Once I had Frida on board, it elevated the music to new heights,” Sparks affirms.

The interplay between the worldly and otherworldly is a central theme in Behold The Orb. Sparks artfully blends various musical styles to create a narrative that resonates deeply with listeners. The track “struck by the prophecy” exemplifies this approach, transitioning from a bossa nova groove to heavier jazz swing elements, emphasizing moments of anticipation and awe.

“I definitely like when music can transcend genre in that way,” Sparks explains. “It’s not so much a conscious selection of genre as it is a conjuring of images.”

The album is now available for download on Bandcamp, allowing a global audience to experience the innovative soundscapes crafted by Sparks and their collaborators. With Behold The Orb, Abey Sparks solidifies their place in the contemporary jazz scene, inviting listeners to explore the depths of imagination and reality through music.