Those of you not hip to Nubya Garcia had better catch up quick, because she’s moving at lightning speed. The British saxophonist and composer was already among jazz’s most impressive young talents based on two previous EPs, Nubya’s 5IVE and When We Are, issued in 2017 and 2018, respectively. But with Source, a bounteous full-length
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Elsewhere, Garcia demonstrates her aptitude for imprinting any style with her creative DNA. The title track deploys lilting background vocals and a reggae backbeat recalling classic dub, but the quirky arrangement and Garcia’s restless solo push it well beyond mere homage. Likewise, “La Cumbia Me Está Llamando” escapes the genre-exercise trap thanks to a sound stripped to its essentials: guest Diana Sanmiguel’s lead vocal, maracas and guacharaca, plus Garcia’s delightfully playful interjections. And she’s equally adept at gorgeous balladry (“Together Is a Beautiful Place To Be”), compelling statements of purpose (“Stand With Each Other”) and empowering mysticism (“Boundless Beings”).
Source finds Garcia on the fast track. Seeing where it leads next will be fascinating. — Michael Roberts
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