Toronto’s 13-piece jazz collective astral RIDDIMS pay tribute to the late Sheldon Moore with “Shel Of Moor,” a heartfelt composition from their debut album, The Big Band Theory.
Toronto-based jazz ensemble astral RIDDIMS brings together spiritual jazz, jazz-funk, soul, and global grooves on their debut album, The Big Band Theory, released September 30, 2026.
Led by saxophonist Dennis Passley, the 13-piece collective creates an expansive musical experience that celebrates collaboration, creativity, and the connections that make music meaningful.
At the heart of the album is “Shel Of Moor,” a deeply personal tribute to Passley’s former Pocket Dwellers bandmate, Sheldon Moore, also known as DJ S Luv.
astral RIDDIMS Shel Of Moor – Honouring a Musical Legacy
For Passley, “Shel Of Moor” represents more than a composition. It’s a way of keeping the memory and influence of a trusted friend alive.
Moore, who passed away from colon cancer, was a producer and songwriter whose musical instincts helped shape the work of those around him.
The song unfolds in two movements, “Tamusni” and “Tayri,” representing wisdom and love, respectively.
Through its layered arrangements, soulful vocals, and expressive instrumentation, “Shel Of Moor” captures the spirit of a musician whose influence continues to resonate.
The recording features Lala Noel on vocals alongside a rich ensemble of horns, keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion.
Exploring The Big Band Theory
Released on September 30, The Big Band Theory introduces listeners to astral RIDDIMS’ distinctive approach to contemporary jazz.
Drawing inspiration from artists including Sun Ra, Pharoah Sanders, Yusef Lateef, and Kamasi Washington, the collective blends traditional jazz influences with modern sounds and global rhythms.
The album features a rotating lineup of horn and string players, allowing each composition to develop its own musical identity while maintaining the group’s signature warmth and energy.
With intricate arrangements and an emphasis on collective expression, astral RIDDIMS creates music that feels both adventurous and deeply connected to its roots.
From the emotional storytelling of “Shel Of Moor” to the album’s expansive musical arrangements, The Big Band Theory showcases a collective dedicated to creating meaningful musical experiences.
astral RIDDIMS – Interview
Hi, Dennis! Good to meet you! Care to introduce yourself to the readers for those not familiar with your music?
Hi, my name is Dennis. I play saxophone and produce music. I’m based in Toronto and live in Hamilton.
“Shel Of Moor” is a deeply personal tribute to your late Pocket Dwellers bandmate Sheldon Moore, who you’ve described as the final voice of reason whenever the band was making music. What do you remember most about working with Sheldon, and how has his influence continued to shape the way you approach music since his passing?
Sheldon was our reference for clean living. He didn’t smoke, drink or indulge in anything that could cloud judgment. He worked tirelessly, so the work put into finishing ‘The Big Band Theory’ was an interpretation of his work ethic and focus. I attempted to put myself into the work with the same focus and drive as Sheldon.
You divided “Shel Of Moor” into two movements, “Tamusni” for wisdom and “Tayri” for love, representing two sides of Sheldon’s personality. How did you translate those qualities into music, and what choices did you make in the arrangements to capture the person he was beyond the musician everyone knew?
This is not an easy answer. All I can say is when working on the tracks, no decisions on direction were made before invoking the spirit. Decisions didn’t seem like choices; they felt closer to communications. I don’t think the qualities he possessed (Tamusni, Tayri) are translatable, but the energy they emit can be used to great effect.
astral RIDDIMS brings together 13 musicians and draws from spiritual jazz, jazz funk, soul and global grooves, with influences ranging from Sun Ra and Pharoah Sanders to Kamasi Washington. How did you bring together such a diverse group of players, and how do you balance giving each musician room to express themselves while maintaining a shared musical vision?
When we started recording the record, the songs were just sketches. Much was left up to the interpretation of the musicians. The sessions were spread out enough that when I edited the work, the next session had more information to go on. Overall, the record is the summation of talent assembled. I wasn’t trying to get anyone to play “my music,” but to contribute their creative impulses to it.
Your debut album, The Big Band Theory, brings together so many musical traditions, instruments and personalities, while “Shel Of Moor” connects the project to your history with Pocket Dwellers. How has your experience with that band influenced what you’re building with astral RIDDIMS, and what do you hope audiences take away from experiencing this music live?
I’m not sure I can answer this… Art/music is continuous. To try and recount Pocket Dwellers and articulate a through line is almost impossible. I guess I hope people come to the show and leave feeling like they want to come back again and again. I want every experience to be unique and distinct.
