JAZZ - LATIN RHYTHMS

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Formed in the mid 2000’s The Circling Sun is a sonic collective from Tamaki Makaurau focused on progressive Afrocentric inspired Jazz music.

Tāmaki Makaurau's spiritual jazz ambassadors, The Circling Sun, are an Auckland-based collective blending modal jazz, Afrobeat, soul, and psychedelic influences into expansive, groove-driven compositions. Inspired by artists like Pharoah Sanders, Alice Coltrane, and Ethio-jazz pioneers, the group has quickly become one of Aotearoa's most exciting contemporary jazz acts, renowned for their powerful live performances and immersive, transcendent sound.

Their acclaimed debut album, Spirits (2023), introduced the band to international audiences through London's celebrated Soundway Records, before they expanded their sonic palette on sophomore release Orbits (2025). Alongside performances at the Wellington Jazz Festival and festival appearances across New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, The Circling Sun have established themselves as one of the country's leading contemporary jazz ensembles with a growing global reputation.

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Featuring some of the finest talents in music from Aotearoa,  members include : Ben Turua, Julien Dyne, J.Y Lee, Guy Harrison, Cameron Allen,  Finn Scholes and Matt Hunter aka Kenny Sterling.