In November Jon Tye convened a meeting of the Ocean Moon Group, bringing the band together to record a Call For Peace. Saddened, horrified by the state of the world, and inspired in part by a Yoko Ono quote – “What we do really affects the world. Most of us think we can’t do anything, but it really isn’t true” – the 45-minute long improvisation was performed live in front of an audience of family and close friends. The aim was to collectively summon an energy “beyond borders, beyond words and beyond politics” and focus the assembled humanity on healing global suffering.

The session featured 5 players, and starts with stretched, thin, twisting drones. These establishing a stately, serene, glacial pace, as  phasing effects fashion melody. Gongs sound, underlining the sense of mediation, and a sitar seamlessly segues into pedal steel. Summoning Eno & Lanois’ Apollo: Atmospheres & Soundtracks, before making way for wisps of woodwind and fragile harp-like fretwork. The instruments each solo and then dance about one another. As if handing over the baton in an unhurried relay. Synergising, synthesising an oasis of safe sonic surroundings. The lilt loose, but not a drift or a float, it’s travelling somewhere. Taking its time to get there. The air that of a prayer.

Cello and piano then pick up the lead, while the background hum begins to pulse and threaten momentum. This pairing collaborating like a meeting of ECM stalwarts / maestros Stephan Micus and Keith Jarrett, which is itself overtaken by gymnastic kosmische Manuel Gottsching-esque guitar. For a moment the destination seems to be inner space, the void, Zeit, Tangerine Dream’s rumination on time, However, this proves to be only a hoax as the music erupts into a final racing raga.

Call For Peace can’t be considered BGM – I don’t think it was ever intended as such. Rather its constant changes demand the listener’s attention. Shifting consciousness toward it. Channelling chakras. Willing ceasefires into being.

Ocean Moon Group’s Call For Peace is out now on Lo Recordings. All money generated by the project goes to  healpalestine.org