Review: London Fields by Ambient Jazz Ensemble, the project of composer Colin Baldry, explores the musical tapestry of London through a soulful and cinematic lens. While the name suggests ambient jazz, the album is more an orchestral soul journey, drawing inspiration from Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield and the urban sounds of Moses Boyd and Steam Down. Tracks like 'Signature' kick off with a contemporary groove courtesy of Baldry's son, Sam, while Lynsey Ward's vocals on 'Locked' provide a powerful, emotional core. Throughout the album, lush orchestrationifeaturing the Adderbury Ensemble and saxophonist Ollie Westonicreates an expansive, atmospheric sound. The title track's late sax solo surprises amidst carefully composed arrangements. Instrumental tracks, such as 'Standing On The Edge of the World', are reflective pauses, though at times they feel secondary to the vocal pieces. The album crescendos with the dramatic 'London Fields' and 'When The Dust Settle', capturing the vastness of the city. London Fields impresses with its emotional depth and epic scale, delivering a rich, evocative soundscape that blurs the lines between jazz, soul, and orchestral music.
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