New Zealand composers and musicians John Rae and Ben Wilcock have produced a stunning 14-song collaboration of original material. Joined by the celebrated New Zealand bassist, Patrick Bleakley the album has been described as “beguiling” (PBS, The Modernist).

The album features guest artists Scottish guitarist Kevin Murray, former Black Seeds Irish-based saxophonist Jabin Ward and multi-instrumentalist Daniel Yeabsley, this is jazz for the 21st Century. Ebbing and flowing between chaos and beauty this album will take the listener to places they never expected. It is a truly unique take on contemporary jazz.

Recorded over two years, with contributions from Scotland, Ireland and different parts of New Zealand, Splendid Isolation takes traditional acoustic forms and bends them in a way only these two highly original composers could.

For the WJC performance, the trio (Ben Wilcock – piano, John Rae – drums, and Patrick Bleakley – bass) will play material from the album and new material that has yet to be released.