British saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia has announced her debut solo album Source will be released Aug. 21 via Concord Jazz.
Collaborating with celebrated producer Kwes, Garcia has prepared a groovy and soulful debut effort that looks to capitalize on the excitement over one of the U.K.’s rising young jazz stars.
Over the last few years, Garcia has garnered fans and accolades for her two EPs — 2017’s Nubya’s 5ive and 2018’s When We Are — and for her part in the highly touted bands Nérija and Maisha. She was named Breakthrough Act of the Year by British broadcasters Jazz FM and Sky Arts in 2018, and earned another award as Jazz FM’s Jazz Act of the Year in 2019.
Source explores a “multidimensional jazz sound,” layered with soul, Afro-diasporic sounds and electronic music.
Garcia’s band comprises keyboardist Joe Armon-Jones, bassist Daniel Casimir and drummer Sam Jones. The album also features guest appearances by alto saxophonist Cassie Kinoshi, trombonist Richie Seivwright, trumpeter Sheila Maurice-Grey and vocalist Akenya.
Ahead of the album’s release, Garcia has shared the title track, a 12-minute odyssey that features guest appearances by Ms Maurice, Kinoshi and Seivwright. With a hot bass line and powerful sax, the track blends jazz, reggae and myriad sounds from Garcia’s youth.
Source is available to pre-order on Bandcamp.
Listen to the title track below.