She Said reflects an ongoing ambition by NYJO to re-shape the gender mix not only of its own projects but jazz as a whole. So this vibrant recording privileges the work of four contemporary composers (Iles, Barratt, Ahmed and Jurd) but also signposts pathfinders like Lil Hardin, whose ‘Struttin’ with some Barbecue’ features Alice Leggett (her alto has also illuminated the work of Mark Lockheart). She Said additionally features alumni and performers from across the generations who have NYJO affiliations. Thus, Norma Winstone lays down a sublime ‘A Timeless Place’, while Josephine Davis covers both writer and performer slots with her debut composition, ‘Transition’. Ahmed's ‘Nurrquss’ is among the more satisfying pieces not simply because it's a rare example of ‘Tunisian rave jazz’ as she describes it, but also because her early experience of NYJO was problematic. So her happy return here hopefully reflects change not just with the band, but in wider jazz circles. Moreover, this project was recorded before the likes of Olivia Murphy took on the Composer Chair, so there's plenty more talent that's come on board since. He said.