Nubya Garcia: Source

Editor's Choice

Rating: ★★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Nubya Garcia (ts)

Label:

Concord Jazz

September/2020

Media Format:

CD, 2 LP, DL

Catalogue Number:

CJA00382

RecordDate:

August 2019

Saxophonist Nubya Garcia has taken the London jazz scene by storm in the last few years. She has a gift for self-expression and for channeling raw energy in her playing. Her debut album, which follows two EPs and albums with Maisha and the septet Nérija, is a sonic self-portrait that reflects her Afro-Carribean heritage and her expanding musical horizons. ‘Pace’ is a powerful opener with a heavy backbeat feel and the first of many high octane solos from Garcia, all wrenching holds and false-fingered cries. ‘The Message Continues’ reminds me of a Noname track with its skiffling drumbeat, while the title track's skanking groove and dub production is a throwback to Garcia's North London childhood, when reggae was often blasting in the house. Elsewhere the album is more meditative, with ethereal backing vocals sung by Ms Maurice and Cassie Kinoshi (two of Garcia's bandmades from Nérija) plus KOKOROKO trombonist Richie Seivwright, and a haunting feature for Chicagoan singer Akenya. Equally striking is ‘La cumbia me está llamando’, a collaboration with vocal and percussion group La Perla who Garcia recorded with on a recent trip to Colombia. The call-and-response between tenor and voices, framed by hand drums and percussion, brings out the rhythmic and vocal qualities of Garcia's own playing. It's a high point in an exciting debut – and Garcia's best and most varied work so far.

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