LATEST RELEASE: “IT’S ALWAYS ABOUT LOVE” (GONDWANA)
“There’s so much going on in Leeds at the moment I don’t know what it is, maybe its the music college, but the Ancient Infinity Orchestra just another collective coming out with a new record on Gondwana Records, which is Matthew Halsall’s records label, celebrating and championing such great music and the album is It’s Always About Love” – Gilles Peterson (BBC Radio 6)
Ancient Infinity Orchestra is a jazz ensemble led by double-bassist and composer Ozzy Moysey, based in the bustling creative city of Leeds in the North of England – home to one of the most innovative and community-based jazz scenes in the UK.
Saxophonist Mathew Cliffe, who also performs with Matthew Halsall, is a key member of the rotating line-up, which includes drums, two bassists, keyboards, harp, violin, cello, two tenors, alto, oboe, flute, and percussion.
Their Gondwana Records debut ‘River of Light’ drinks deep from the well of spiritual jazz and is especially inspired by the soulful sounds of Pharoah Sanders, Alice and John Coltrane – all of whom are mentioned in the brilliant track ‘Pharoah Sings’ – but also channels a certain Northern sensibility that can be heard in the music of Matthew Halsall or Alabaster de Plume. Melodic, warm, and honest, this is music that is happy to wear its heart on its sleeve.
This is also communal music made by friends, which offers a deep celebration of togetherness and of music-making. It’s confidently deep music, moving and meditative, and Ozzy draws on philosophy and nature as well as musical inspirations to foster a focus on giving and sharing beautiful things with one another and with the listener.
‘River of Light’ was recorded over three days. The ensemble were joined by a choir of over a dozen friends from Brighton, UK, adding a further joyous layer to the beautiful music.
Their latest album ‘It’s Always About Love’ (Gondwana Records, Sept 2025), is a melody-driven exploration of improvisation, tradition, and connection that strips away excess to reveal something pure, warm, and profoundly human.
