SOURCE

Upon the release of her first solo album, Nubya Garcia was showered with praise, awards, prizes, projects and multiple collaborations. At 29 years old, the Londoner was cemented as one of the leading players in the new British jazz scene and her colourful, full-bodied saxophone playing has already resonated on numerous recordings like those of the bands Nérija and Maisha, and on two thirds of We Out Here (2018), the emblematic compilation album from Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood label which united big names on the contemporary scene. It is with some of these musicians that she has recorded Source. Joined by Joe Armon-Jones (keys), Daniel Casimir (bass) and Sam Jones (drums), Garcia was certainly well-equipped enough to push the boundaries of contemporary jazz and the UK music scene. Like often is the case with contemporary UK musicians, Afro-Caribbean and urban sounds come to influence the rhythms as well as the melodies. Such is a fusion often present in UK jazz albums which also possess their own unique flavours. The influence of Herbie Hancock (from the Headhunters period/early Columbia Records) is never far off (Inner Game, The Message Continues). This sensation is amplified by the funky playing of the organ and synth magician, Joe Armon-Jones. But Nubya Garcia also strives for different sounds from different horizons. On the title track Source, the dub influence is clear. On Together is a Beautiful Place To Be, she deploys a delicate soul and R&B sensuality. Stand With Each Other zigzags between spellbinding nyabinghi rhythms while the aptly named La cumbia me està llamando, leaves no questions for its influences… All the sequences paint the picture of a woman well-anchored in her times, a musician that embraces her roots and personal history and puts the notion of collectiveness at the forefront of her artistry. Garcia notably invites along Richie Sievwright, Cassie Kinoshi and Sheila Maurice-Grey from the group Kokoroko, the Colombians of La Perla (La cambia me està llamando) and also the Chicago singer Akenya Seymour (Boundless Beings). With this Qobuzissime winning album, Nubya Garcia succeeds to go that bit further beyond, and even break down, the walls that try to hold jazz back. © Marc Zisman/Qobuz