Chip Wickham’s Breakthrough Album – ‘The Eternal Now’ From 2025
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Flutist, saxophonist, and music producer extraordinaire, Chip Wickham, took the UK jazz scene by storm with his groundbreaking album – ‘The Eternal Now’ in the year 2025. Known originally for his contributions to the UK breakbeat scene with acts such as Nightmares On Wax and Graham Massey, Wickham has always had the soul of a jazz artist at heart. His unique musical prowess is manifested brilliantly in ‘The Eternal Now.’
Wickham’s musical journey from Brighton to prominent international stages spans an influential 17 years. His diverse experiences in the UK, Spain, and the Middle-East have enriched his solo projects with an eclectic mix of hard swinging spiritual jazz, reminiscent of the 60s British jazz sounds and contemporary nuances inspired by artists like Jazzanova, Nicola Conte and The Cinematic Orchestra.
Recorded under the reputable Gondwana Records and set for release on September 5, ‘The Eternal Now’ is undoubtedly Wickham’s most transformative work till date. The album, fundamentally flute-driven with a robust rhythm section, is co-produced by Matthew Halsall, featuring legendary Cinematic Orchestra percussionist Luke Flowers and celebrated bassist Sneaky, who have both been stalwarts of the Manchester music scene.
This artistic masterpiece takes listeners on a vast musical journey, drawing on influences of enigmatic artists like Lonnie Liston Smith, Sven Wunder, and David Axelrod. Wickham masterfully creates a new sonic terrain, delving into library music while staying rooted to soulful grooves and poignant melodies which are the hallmarks of his music.
The first single release of the album, titled ‘Drifting,’ embodies Wickham’s spirited ethos of freedom, letting go, and surrendering oneself to the simple ebbs and flows of life. According to Wickham, ‘The Eternal Now,’ is more than just an album – it encapsulates a certain artistic ideology whereby time becomes irrelevant. This thoughtful approach propels him further into creative realms, allowing him to experiment with new artistic colors and energies.
The album cover, gracefully adorned with minimalist art is the creation of Daniel Halsall and features a limited edition LP stocked with metallic blue foil. ‘The Eternal Now’ remains a testament to artistry and the beauty of embracing artistic freedom, affirming Chip Wickham’s indomitable position in the jazz landscape. As Wickham continues his artistic journey, he expands the horizons of not just his listeners but other contemporary artists like Eric Truffaz and Yusef Lateef.
Learn more about Chip Wickham