Rae and Wilcock, long-time collaborators and co-founders of Thick Records NZ, bring their shared vision to life on this recording, captured at Auckland’s legendary Roundhead Studios. They are joined by close musical companions Patrick Bleakley and Roger Manins—both internationally regarded voices in jazz—along with emerging guitarist Theo Thompson, whose fresh sound expands the ensemble’s tonal palette. The result is a suite of original compositions that not only reflect the composers’ ideas but also serve as an open canvas for the quintet’s distinctive improvisational voices. Years of shared performance have shaped an organic, conversational interplay—music that feels at once deeply personal and effortlessly collective.

Personnel: Ben Wilcock - piano John Rae - drums Patrick Bleakley - bass Roger Manins - tenor sax Theo Thompson - guitar

Engineered and mixed by De Stevens. Recorded at Roundhead studios, Auckland, December 2024. Mastered by Kevin Murray. TH020