Ancient Archive Of Sound Vinyl & CDs

Review: In the many-layered world of UK jazz, saxophonist Nat Birchall remains something of a hidden treasure. Having led many a group and recorded for the likes of Gondwana, Jazzman and Sound Soul and Spirit, he's now settled into a steady rhythm with Ancient Archive Of Sound, notching up a fourth album for the label which confirms once again what an incredible talent he is. The sound is spiritual, paying explicit homage to the deep rooted heritage of the music he plays without overstepping the mark - Birchall's fluid expression and composition is reverential and powerful, a true credit to the winding legacy of jazz music.

Review: Saxophonist Nat Birchall has been busy over the last couple of years, offering up a string of inspired collaborative albums, including a fine dub-wise excursion with Al Breadwinner and a brilliant tribute to Yusuf Lateef created with his regular Quartet of players. His latest album, "Mysticism of Sound", is a slight departure from his regular sound - if he indeed has one, given his exploration of many strains of jazz over the years - for two reasons. Firstly, it's an impressively evocative exploration of Sun Ra-inspired space jazz, with his meandering and emotive sax solos acting as spiritual guide throughout. Secondly, it's a genuinely solo album in which there are no guests: each and every instrument, including synths, bells, drums and bass, were played, was played by Birchall himself.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Record ever so slightly warped & record has light surface marks/scratches, otherwise in excellent working condition***


Manchester's Nat Birchall is one of the best saxophonists of his generation and a prolific one, too. He releases plenty of different projects from reggae infused version inspired by the classics to full on sun worshipping jazz via his own solo spiritual excursions. Ancient Archive Of Sound have got his new album from him, Akhenaten, and it is another special one. It is made up of four meandering pieces from the expressive 'Nica's Dance' via the more quiet reflections of 'A Prayer For 10' and the soul-awakening joys of 'Akhenaten'. 'Many Blessings' is awash with gorgeous piano keys that bring sheer bliss.

Review: Manchester's Nat Birchall is one of the best saxophonists of his generation and a prolific one, too. He releases plenty of different projects from reggae infused version inspired by the classics to full on sun worshipping jazz via his own solo spiritual excursions. Ancient Archive Of Sound have got his new album from him, Akhenaten, and it is another special one. It is made up of four meandering pieces from the expressive 'Nica's Dance' via the more quiet reflections of 'A Prayer For 10' and the soul-awakening joys of 'Akhenaten'. 'Many Blessings' is awash with gorgeous piano keys that bring sheer bliss.

Review: ***B-STOCK: Sleeve damaged but otherwise in excellent condition***


Saxophonist Nat Birchall has been busy over the last couple of years, offering up a string of inspired collaborative albums, including a fine dub-wise excursion with Al Breadwinner and a brilliant tribute to Yusuf Lateef created with his regular Quartet of players. His latest album, "Mysticism of Sound", is a slight departure from his regular sound - if he indeed has one, given his exploration of many strains of jazz over the years - for two reasons. Firstly, it's an impressively evocative exploration of Sun Ra-inspired space jazz, with his meandering and emotive sax solos acting as spiritual guide throughout. Secondly, it's a genuinely solo album in which there are no guests: each and every instrument, including synths, bells, drums and bass, were played, was played by Birchall himself.