SKYJACK - Light Cycle



Skyjack is what happens when a heavyweight South African jazz trio meets a pair of Swiss reed and brass hotshots. Over the course of a decade, this all-star quintet has forged a reputation as an innovative and adventurous force in contemporary African and European jazz. Combining deep grooves with thrilling rides and avant-garde experimentation, Skyjack is a powerhouse both on stage and in the studio.

Light Cycle is the band's third recorded outing and documents a seasoned outfit at its most ambitious and accomplished. Featuring compositions from all members of the group, the album is a multidimensional creature with a big heart and a powerful imagination. Part science fiction adventure, part sentimental journey, Light Cycle reconciles expansive cosmic soundscapes with a solid grounding in memory and folklore.

Issued as a double-LP on the As-Shams/The Sun label, Skyjack joins both a catalogue and tradition of groundbreaking South African jazz dating back to the 1970s. The album's cover features the work of esteemed Cape Town artist Igshaan Adams.

Saxophone – MARC STUCKI
Trombone, Kudu Horn – ANDREAS TSCHOPP
Piano – KYLE SHEPHERD
Double Bass – SHANE COOPER
Drums – JONNO SWEETMAN

01. All the Flame (S. Cooper) 7:27
02. Like a Leaf on a Tree (M. Stucki) 5:44
03. Light Cycle / Vang Gou Die Strandloper (K. Shepherd) 8:41
04. Hey Stranger (J. Sweetman) 2:20
05. Future Past (A. Tschopp) 11:20
06. Method of Moments (M. Stucki, J. Sweetman, A. Tschopp) 5:28
07. Morge Früeh Eh D'Sunne Lacht (Trad. A. Glutz, Arr. M. Stucki) 11:40
08. Porcupine (J. Sweetman) 6:04
09. Kudu Chant (S. Cooper, A. Tschopp) 2:19
10. Zaubergarten (for Oscar) (M. Stucki) 2:59
11. Radha Intro (K. Shepherd) 1:49
12. Radha III (K. Shepherd) 6:58
13. The Storm That Guides You (S. Cooper) 4:08

* Track sequence differs on 2LP vinyl edition

Produced by SKYJACK in 2023

Recorded by Jürgen von Wechmar at Sunset Recording Studios - Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Additional Recordings by Shane Cooper at Kujua Records Studio - Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mixed and Mastered by Martin Ruch at Control Room Berlin - Germany.

Cover Artwork by Igshaan Adams
Design and Layout by Romy Brauteseth
Produced for As-Shams by Calum MacNaughton

Cat. No. SRK897249