Flautist and Saxophonist Chip Wickham explores the celestial realms of the universe with his latest release “Blue To Red”. Wickham’s spiritual path through Indian and Middle Eastern culture has been paved by legends like Alice Coltrane and Yusef Lateef. In addition his recent collaborations with Matthew Halsall has also molded his musical journey. The disc kicks off the ethereal title track, augmented by the heavenly harp of Gondwana Orchestra’s Amanda Whiting. “Route One” features Dan Goldman’s dazzling Rhodes melodies, which are an effective foil for Wickham’s flute phrasings and Whiting’s harp. Goldman’s blissful keys sets the tone on the tranquil “Cosmos”. The rhythm section of drummer Jon Scott, bassist Simon Houghton, Whitng and Goldman are splendid throughout. Wickham’s flute rises to the occasion and provides the listener on a glorious ride through six engaging compositions. This is another spiritual jazz triumph that you shouldn’t miss.
