British saxophonist, composer and bandleader Josephine Davies marks a striking new chapter in her career with the release of The Celtic Wheel of the Year Suite (28th Feb 2025, Ubuntu) alongside her 17-piece group The Ensō Ensemble.

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With roots in the Scottish archipelago of Shetland, the 8-part suite takes the listener on a year-long journey of ancient Celtic and seasonal festivals. From the darkness of winter to the renewal of spring, the harvest season, the Autumn Equinox, and the Winter Solstice, it weaves together classical, jazz, and folk influences into a cohesive, Nordic-tinged whole.j

Fittingly, it all started with the sunrise. The piece Eos - named after the Goddess of the Dawn - was composed during a period of early mornings while she served as composer-in-residence for the London Jazz Orchestra. Fast forward a decade, and several high-profile commissions, she felt compelled to complete the circle. “Having written several jazz orchestra pieces, and inspired by a lockdown move to the countryside, I felt drawn to deepen my connection with the earth and revisit my earlier composition. The result is the 8-part suite, each movement inspired by a particular time of year and what it holds for me emotionally and spiritually.”

Perhaps best known for her award-winning trio Satori, the depth of talent and inventiveness in the ensemble is testament to Davies’ long-standing position at the heart of the UK’s contemporary music scene. London jazz stalwarts Dave Whitford (bass), Noel Langley (trumpet) and Alcyona Mick (piano) sit alongside distinctive newer voices such as saxophonists Michael Chillingworth, Rachael Cohen and Tamar Osborn - each carefully chosen for their musicality, creativity, and unique soloistic voices.

Through this fascinating large ensemble and the rich history of Celtic mythology, the recording sees Davies stretch her compositional wings, blending the improvisation and spontaneity inherent in jazz with a highly distinctive compositional voice as a writer. As we embark on yet another cycle around the sun, it serves as both a milestone in her career and a calling card for future projects.

Josephine Davies composer, conductor, tenor saxophone | Michael Chillingworth alto & soprano saxophone | Rachael Cohen alto saxophone | Helena Kay tenor saxophone | Adam Bishop tenor saxophone, clarinet, alto flute | Tamar Osborn baritone saxophone, bass clarinet | Noel Langley trumpet, flugelhorn | Reuben Fowler trumpet, flugelhorn | Nick Smart trumpet, flugelhorn | Robbie Robson trumpet, flugelhorn | Anna Drysdale french horn | Olli Martin trombone | Maddie Dowdeswell trombone | Eddie Curtis bass trombone | Alcyona Mick piano | Dave Whitford double bass | Shaney Forbes drums

Thank you to Matt Fripp for sharing with us Josephine website click here