Please note this is a pre-order item due for release 5th September, 2025

Tracklist:

1. Drifting
2. Nara Black
3. The Eternal Now
4. Lost Souls
5. No Turning Back
6. The Road Less Travelled
7. Falling Deep
8. Ikigai
9. Outside

Originally from Brighton, Chip Wickham first came to prominence in the UK breakbeat scene playing with the likes of Rae & Christian, The Pharcyde, Nightmares On Wax and Graham Massey. But, at heart, Chip has always been a jazz musician (he played on Matthew Halsalls debut album, ‘Sending My Love’, in 2008, beginning a relationship with Gondwana Records that now spans 17 years) and now, dividing his time between the UK, Spain and the Middle-East, he has made a name for himself with a series of beautifully crafted solo albums that draw equally on hard swinging spiritual jazz, the classic sounds of 60s British jazz and the more contemporary sounds of artists such as Jazzanova, The Cinematic Orchestra and Nicola Conte.

A beautifully crafted record, The Eternal Now is Chips most progressive recording to date and represents a heartfelt ode to submitting oneself to the practice of creating art, and the freedom thats derived from letting go.

On The Eternal Now, Chip has collaborated with two mainstays of the Manchester scene: legendary drummer, Luke Flowers (of The Cinematic Orchestra), and well-loved bass-player, Sneaky, who played on Mr Scruffs classic, ‘Keep it Unreal’.

Largely flute-led, its his most rhythm heavy offering to date taking the listener on an expansive journey that touches on the influences of Lonnie Liston Smith, Sven Wunder, David Axelrod and even library music as Chip pushes his sound into exciting new spaces without ever losing the soulful groove and heartfelt melodies that make his music so loved. Co-produced by Matthew Halsall, the album also marks the first time that Chip has worked with renowned mix-engineer, Greg Freeman (Matthew Halsall, Portico Quartet and Hania Rani among others), as Chip explores a more contemporary sound.

Opening with the rolling hand percussion and floating notes of Drifting, the record quickly finds its footing, and dives headfirst into a propulsive and splashy rhythm section. A tasteful drum fill ushers in the commencement of second single Nara Black, which features the sultry vocals of Peach, whose dreamlike lyrics intertwine with uplifting flute motifs and sweeping strings. The albums title track is up next, channeling curious and alluring melodies through a swirling portal of sound. Lost Souls is a restful and nourishing track, giving time for the spirit to breathe amidst rich woodwinds and soulful shakers.

On No Turning Back pensive atmospheres ease into torrents of melody, twisting like the banks of a great river. The Road Less Travelled finds wandering keys traverse vast undulating expanses of sound, before Falling Deeps winding motifs beckon the listener to venture deeper within. Penultimate track Ikigai (translating to a reason for being) harnesses a potent moment of beauty, as spectral flute dances amongst lush strings before the flourishes of Outside bring the album to a poignant close.

A captivating and emotive listen, The Eternal Now sees Chip at the top of his game, creating an other-worldly dreamscape with enchanting sound.