"Not only are these four powerhouse musicians, but they all happen to be strong and unique composers as well." (The Live Music Report) That's a good summery of what the exciting Toronto-based quintet Circles is about - immersive, improvisational jazz performance, with an emphasis on evocative composition. The mandate of Circles is to continually stretch and explore the concept of modern jazz, seeking beauty and new possibilities of musical expression. Circles has been composing and performing together 2006 when bassist Matthew Roberts formed a steady group to explore his compositions. Soon pianist Hayoun Lee also began to add his own compositional style to the blend. Vocalist Alexandra Tait, guitarist Neil Whitford and drummer Mackenzie Longpre joined in the summer of 2007, and since then all have contributed in presenting a rapidly expanding catalogue of original music, in performances described as "fresh, luminously dark, glorious, delicious, and energetic through any tempo" (The Live Music Report). In the summer of 2008 the group headed into the studio along with special guest Terry Quinney (saxophone). The Edmonton Journal described the resulting album I Understand as "an impressive range of accessible melodies, improvisations and atmospheres." Listeners may detect influences such as Dave Holland, Kenny Wheeler, Dave Binney, or even Radiohead. In 2010 the group recorded their most recent album, entitled Autumn Dance. Circles has performed at across Toronto, at venues such as The Rex Hotel, The Trane Studio, Gate 403, Tequila Bookeworm, Dominion on Queen, and Somewhere There. In the summer of 2009 they completed a western-Canadian tour which included appearances at The Edmonton International Jazz Festival and The Medicine Hat Jazz Festival. Circles continues to perform regularly, adding new compositions and further developing their improvisational chemistry. A third full-length album, to be recorded in collaboration with veteran saxophonist Kirk MacDonald, who will act as producer and guest soloist, will be released in the summer of 2012.