NEIL ARDLEY - Harmony of the Spheres - LP - 180g Vinyl

LP - Limited Edition of 500 hand numbered copies on 180g Black Vinyl, Cut Directly from the Original Master Tapes. Features an ultra-gloss sleeve made from 380 gsm card, a black poly-lined inner sleeve, and an 8-page booklet printed on 330 gsm card. To ensure maximum protection, the vinyl is shipped in an additional 3mm white card sleeve to safeguard the outer sleeve from seam splitting. A marketing sticker is also included.

Neil Ardley’s Harmony of the Spheres Returns to Vinyl After Over 40 Years.  Analogue October Records proudly presents the long-awaited licensed reissue of Harmony of the Spheres, Neil Ardley’s cosmic jazz masterpiece, originally released in 1979 by Decca. This marks the first vinyl reissue of the album since its original release, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience this extraordinary record in its purest form.

A Visionary Fusion of Jazz and Science
Recorded at the legendary Morgan Studios and produced by the esteemed Martin Levan, Harmony of the Spheres represents another bold evolution in Ardley’s ever-expanding musical journey. Blending jazz, electronic synthesis, and progressive rock, the album explores the ancient Greek concept that planets create celestial harmonies as they move through space.

Using precise astronomical calculations, Ardley transposed planetary orbits into a nine-note chord—a chord extending beyond the range of traditional acoustic instruments. As a result, synthesizers became the only means of fully realizing this cosmic sound.

The album features an all-star lineup, including John Martyn on guitar, saxophonist Barbara Thompson, Tony Coe, Ian Carr, and keyboardist Geoff Castle. They are joined by a formidable rhythm section consisting of Billy Kristian (bass), Richard Burgess (drums), and Trevor Tomkins (percussion).

A True AAA Reissue – Cut Directly from the Original Master Tapes
Following the reissue success of Journey to the Urge Within (1986) by Courtney Pine (AOR-001-ST), Analogue October Records’ founder Craig Crane embarked on a mission to restore Harmony of the Spheres to its full sonic glory.

Working in collaboration with Gearbox and using Decca’s original 15ips 2-track stereo master tapes, this reissue is a true AAA release—an all-analogue production with no digital step. The album was meticulously cut directly from the tapes and pressed to the highest standards at Optimal in Germany.

Inside the deluxe package, fans will find an 8-page booklet featuring an in-depth essay by Jazzwise magazine editor Mike Flynn, along with never-before-seen photos from the original recording sessions.

Continuing the Legacy
This reissue is just the beginning. Analogue October Records is committed to further explorations of Neil Ardley’s work, alongside other deep cuts from the UK’s vibrant 1970s jazz fusion and jazz-rock scene.

Whether you’re rediscovering Harmony of the Spheres or experiencing it for the first time, this release is a testament to the artistry and innovation of Neil Ardley.

Tracklist: 

Side A  
1. Upstarts All  
2. Leap In The Dark  
3. Glittering Circles  
4. Fair Mirage  

Side B  
5. Soft Stillness And The Night  
6. Headstrong, Headlong  
7. Towards Tranquility