Move into the Luminous

The cool, ambient depth charges embedded across Move into the Luminous come from prolific double bassist Jon Thorne (Lamb, Yorkston Thorne Khan), guitarist Peter Philipson and the exquisite voice of Nancy Elizabeth. The three leads fronting this inspiring musical collective explore the tidal flows between folk, jazz and ambient, with contributions from saxophonist Martin Slattery, the vibes of Andrew Wasylyk, guitarist David A Jaycock and improvisational drummer Andrew Cheetham.

Think the ambient forays of Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Holger Czukay and more or less the whole of ECM’s record catalogue. And then settle back, lean in and let your ears flow into the exquisitely embroidered soundscapes the trio and their guests summon up across its ten tracks. Elizabeth’s voice is a marvel – reminiscent of The Breath’s Ríoghnach Connolly, and Thorne’s prominent bass is a key driver across the album, and richly expressive on the likes of ‘Send Love to Nara’ with its layered, shimmering backdrops, and the otherworldly, dronetastic ‘Landscape’, topped by Slattery’s sax. These two instrumental pieces are among the highlights, with Elizabeth’s voice across ‘No More Rush Hour’ another, supported by skitterish drums and bass, and a ringing, minimal guitar line. An album that’s rich, absorbing and delicate to the touch.