The UK jazz scene has been in a rich vein of form of late, with standout releases from the likes of Binker and Moses, Yussef Kamaal, Shabaka And The Ancestor, Ashley Henry and more. London-based saxophonist and composer, Nubya Garcia, is one of the leading forces behind the resurgence of jazz-influenced sounds in the UK and now she drops her debut solo project. Raised in a creative environment built by a set of Caribbean parents, her debut solo EP offers five slices of warm, lush, afro-tinged jazz creativity. The project — “which explores the common ground between progressive jazz, hip hop and soulful, groove led rhythms” — is a confident and self-assured first step from the young artist. Much of the material has a traditional jazz feel, particularly “Fly Free” and the wonderfully alluring “Contemplation”. We’ve already featured the EPs opening track “Lost Kingdoms”, a distinctly mellow, yet intense affair, that unravels itself through its winding and hypnotising arrangements. Elsewhere on “Hold” she also offers up some big and heavy tuba sounds courtesy of Theon Cross, while “Red Sun” is one of the most entertaining straight-ahead jazz tracks we’ve heard in a while. Beautiful.
