
Photo: Jam Burrito
There’s wonderful news from Emergence Collective, the supergroup comprising a vibrant cast of some of the most masterful improvisers from Sheffield and the North of England. The collective are ready to release the follow up to Fly Tower, which was one of our Album Picks of 2023. Entitled Chapel, the album was captured live at the Samuel Worth Chapel, an intimate venue in the heart of Sheffield General Cemetery. As usual, their music is entirely improvised and informed by the place they play in. The chapel setting steered the collective towards a more ambient and contemplative atmosphere. Emergence Collective also cite various influences, including Steve Reich, Brian Eno, Max Richter and Pharoah Sanders, with the ten members’ shared background in folk, jazz, experimental, early and contemporary classical music tying it all together. Unlike their previous record, which featured two percussionists, the rhythmic parts on Chapel come only from melodic instruments.
Chapel will see the light of day on February 5th through Redundant Span and ahead of it they have share ‘SWC-1’, an utterly beautiful and beguiling track clocking in at over 20 minutes. The single is offered with a live accompanying video and you can watch it below.