Circles Around the Sun at The Ardmore Music Hall (01 Mar 24) with Mikaela Davis and Southern Star

Circles Around the Sun

Circles Around the Sun, often referred to as CATS, is an instrumental rock band that originated in California. The group was initially formed in 2015 to compose intermission music for the “Fare Thee Well” Grateful Dead reunion shows. The band was improvised around guitarist Neal Casal, who, unfortunately, passed away in August 2019. However, the group decided to continue creating music to honor his memory.

Influences for this group are diverse, including genres like psychedelic rock, blues, jazz, and funk. They draw significant inspiration from the aesthetics of jam bands specifically the improvisational approach of Grateful Dead. Their music captures a unique essence of a live jamming experience taking the listeners on an unexpected sonic journey.

The music of CATS is instrumental, and it thrives on spontaneity, free-form jamming, and the intertwining of diverse instrumental lines. The band often develops large, expansive sound patterns that create a sense of openness and endless movement.

Some representative songs by Circles Around the Sun include:

• “Gilbert’s Groove”
• “Saturday’s Children”
• “Immovable Object”

“Saturday’s Children” is characterized by its bright, psychedelic expanses and trippy rhythms, while “Gilbert’s Groove” captures the band’s sense for funky, blues-influenced riffs. In contrast, “Immovable Object” provides a more meditative, slow-burning feel.

Overall, Circles Around the Sun’s music is for those who love long instrumental explorations and psychedelic rock punctuated by elements of blues and jazz.