Cosmic Odyssey is another fascinating journey through space and time by international award-winning composer/musician Jim Ottaway. Composed and recorded in his home studio on the Gold Coast of Australia between June 2005 and May 2025, the ten electronic/ambient tracks on the album focus on the wonders of the cosmos. As has been true of most of Jim’s electronic/ambient albums, the tracks are mostly improvised live and recorded in his studio with minimal overdubs. The music is very ambient and suggests vast open space, solitude and darkness. Although quite a few of the pieces express a sense of mystery and perhaps a feeling of exploring the unknown, it never feels dangerous or threatening. It is more like moving slowly through incredible beauty with a sense of awe and wonder. The tracks range from just under six minutes to just over eight, so it is very easy to get lost in the music as it suggests images from your own experience and/or imagination.

Cosmic Odyssey begins with “Stardust From Infinity,” a more-than-pleasant start to our journey, moving slowly and confidently. “Undiscovered Worlds” continues on into deep darkness, exploring places and things never seen before. “Citadel Of the Stars” seems to go even darker, with wordless voices and other ambient sounds adding to the mystery - fascinating! “Edge of the Cosmos” picks up the pace and outer space activity considerably with brilliant flashes and energy surges along with some changing rhythmic patterns - my favorite track! “Endless Cosmic Horizon” very effectively expresses feelings of vast darkness and “aloneness.” About halfway into the piece, a lighter rhythmic pattern presents an interesting dichotomy and then fades out only to return later in the piece to the end. “Peaks Of Eternal Light” has a somber melodic line expressed with strings and voices as it weaves in and out of the dark background sounds. The title track brings in an assortment of new sounds and rhythms that can represent whatever your imagination wants them to be. Mysterious yet soulful, it’s another very interesting track! “Celestial Voyager” gradually and peacefully brings us back to earth with angelic voices, a sound similar to an organ, and some strings along with other ambient effects. It’s a gentle journey back to Mother Earth after our amazing adventures in deep space.

Cosmic Odyssey is available to download and stream from Amazon, Bandcamp and Apple Music/iTunes; as well as from many streaming platforms including Spotify and Pandora. CDs are available from Jim’s website (outside of the US), and from Lloyd Barde Productions (in the US - contact Lloyd at lloyd@well.com). All of Jim Ottaway’s albums are fascinating listening experiences, and this one is no exception! Enjoy the adventure!