Jade Warrior

Exploring Jade Warrior's "Waves"

"Waves," released in 1975, is the second album by Jade Warrior, part of their four-album series with Island Records. This release follows their debut, "Floating World." The album is characterized by its unique oceanic concept, divided into two continuous suites, "Waves Part I" and "Waves Part II." This structure reflects the fluidity and dynamic nature of water, capturing the essence of marine life.

Musical Composition

The music on "Waves" seamlessly blends various genres, including rock, ambient, and world fusion. The album features contributions from notable guest musicians, including Steve Winwood, known for his work with Traffic and Blind Faith. Winwood's Moog synthesizer and acoustic piano solos add depth to the composition. The core duo of Tony Duhig and Jon Field handle the majority of the instrumentation. Duhig plays electric and acoustic guitars, bass, synthesizers, and other instruments, while Field contributes with flutes, percussion, and keyboards.

The arrangement includes a rich tapestry of sounds, from delicate flute passages and orchestral strings to the thunderous eruptions of fuzz guitar. The use of percussion, with elements of Latin jazz and African drums, enhances the rhythmic complexity. In addition to traditional rock instruments, the album features unique elements like the alto recorder, played by Maggie Thomas, and whale sounds provided by vocalist Suzi. This eclectic mix creates a listening experience that mirrors the ebb and flow of ocean currents.

Recording Process

"Waves" was recorded at The Manor Studios in Oxfordshire and The Argonaut Studios in London. The production team included Tony Duhig and Jon Field as producers, with sound recording engineers Tom Newman, Phil Newell, and Rhett Davies. This collaboration contributed to the album's distinctive sound, blending acoustic and electronic elements to evoke an oceanic atmosphere.

Release and Format

The album was released in a gatefold vinyl format, featuring a custom sea wave inner sleeve. It is cataloged as ILPS 9318 under Island Records. This release marked a significant step in Jade Warrior's exploration of instrumental music and established them as pioneers in the New Age genre.