Roger Wickham

Saxophonist, flautist, and composer Chip Wickham releases The Eternal Now, his most progressive recording to date and a heartfelt meditation on artistic practice and creative freedom. Co-produced with longtime collaborator Matthew Halsall, the album represents an expansive journey that pushes Wickham's sound into exciting new territories while maintaining the soulful grooves and heartfelt melodies that have defined his acclaimed catalog.

Chip Wickham casts a formidable shadow across the UK jazz landscape. Originally from Brighton, he first gained prominence in the UK breakbeat scene playing with Nightmares On Wax and Graham Massey, but his roots have always been in jazz. His relationship with Gondwana Records began in 2008 when he played on Matthew Halsall's debut album Sending My Love, marking the start of a 17-year collaboration. Now dividing his time between the UK, Spain, and the Middle East, Wickham has crafted a series of beautifully realized solo albums that draw equally on hard-swinging spiritual jazz, classic 1960s British jazz, and contemporary artists like Jazzanova, The Cinematic Orchestra, and Nicola Conte.

The Eternal Now features two mainstays of the Manchester scene: legendary drummer Luke Flowers of The Cinematic Orchestra and beloved bassist Sneaky, who played on Mr Scruff's classic Keep it Unreal. Largely flute-led, the album stands as Wickham's most rhythm-heavy offering, taking listeners on an expansive sonic journey that touches on influences ranging from Lonnie Liston Smith and Sven Wunder to David Axelrod and library music pioneers. The album represents a heartfelt ode to submitting oneself to the practice of creating art and the freedom derived from letting go of preconceptions and allowing the music to flow naturally.