Vangelis is still here: Juno To Jupiter his new release

Keyboard master is motivated by magnetosphere

In a parallel dimension, Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou is a cool cult hero of pioneering electronica; a music nerd's name-to-drop as revered as Moroder or Can. Instead, 78-year-old Vangelis, as he's better known, settles for being extremely successful and respected in circles both cinematic and classical. His discography sprawls far and wide beyond Blade Runner and Chariots Of Fire, Aphrodite's Child and his Jon Anderson collaborations. He's been honoured by NASA for previous compositions for their space missions, and Juno To Jupiter is inspired by their ongoing probe. Greek Vangelis plays up the mythological links, referencing Zeus, Hera and veils of clouds. He incorporates sounds from the launch and journey, and opera singer Angela Gheorghiu drops in with diaphanous vocals.

The album takes a while to get into orbit, but once it reaches higher planes its serenity is imposing. He is still out there!