28-year-old saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia has been one the most active and impactful artists among the current London jazz scene. Over the past few years, she has collaborated with some of the region’s most breakthrough artists and collectives, including notable recordings with both ensembles Nérija and Maisha, as well as two highly acclaimed EPs in Nubya’s 5ive (2017) and When We Are (2018). In 2019, she was the recipient of the Jazz FM UK Jazz Act of the Year Award. This week, she releases her much-anticipated full-length debut album on Concord Records, titled Source.

This brilliant nine-track album, which was produced by Garcia herself in collaboration with celebrated producer Kwes (Bobby Womack, Solange, Nérija), brilliantly displays the British saxophonists’ vast array of influences including the Caribbean sounds of reggae and dub, South and Central American-rooted Latin grooves, and Coltrane/Impulse-era spiritual post-bop jazz. Regardless where she chooses to take the music on this recording, her soulful and powerful saxophone playing has a commanding presence that sets the foundation.

On this album, Garcia is also backed by a stellar band, which includes frequent collaborator Joe Armon-Jones (also a member of Ezra Collective) on keys, Daniel Casimir on double bass and Sam Jones on drums. The session also features some remarkable special guests, many whom are major players among the London jazz scene including trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey (KOKOROKO, SEED Ensemble, Nérija), saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi (KOKOROKO, SEED Ensemble, Nérija), trombonist Richie Seivwright (KOKOROKO), as well as groundbreaking Colombian percussion group La Perla, and rising Chicago-based soul singer/pianist Akenya.

Incredible from start to finish, Source is definitely one of the best albums of 2020, and is up there alongside some of the best recordings to come out of this current wave of innovative jazz music that’s resonating right now in London and across the UK region.

Nubya Garcia — ‘Source’
(Concord Records)

1. Pace
2. The Message Continues
3. Source (ft. Sheila Maurice-Grey, Cassie Kinoshi, Richie Seivwright)
4. Together Is A Beautiful Place To Be
5. Stand With Each Other (ft. Sheila Maurice-Grey, Cassie Kinoshi, Richie Seivwright)
6. Inner Game
7. La cumbia me está llamando (ft. La Perla)
8. Before Us: In Demerara & Caura (ft. Sheila Maurice-Grey)
9. Boundless Beings (ft. Akenya)

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