By Charlie Maybee
Leeds based saxophonist, composer and band leader, Jasmine Myra, is gearing up for the debut of her debut album, Horizons, set to be released on Friday, July 15, 2022. Pulling together a mix of jazz and blues influences, this is a collection easy listening instrumental tracks that revel in a chill, joyous tone.
“I realised that my aim was to start writing music that made people feel happy and uplifted”, Myra notes about her inspiration, “Writing is one of my biggest passions, but I also love performing. Playing live and seeing the audience connect with my music and have a positive experience brings me so much joy”. With her focus up and out over a horizon, there is a warm comfort that emanates from each track like a musical rendering of a sunset on a cool summer’s evening over a city skyline.
There is a lot to love about this album, but the most poignant characteristic I found while listening to it is a sense of being present, in the moment, that is content, but not complacent; aware, but now assertive. A deep sense of listening permeates through each note of the saxophone as it leads the way with grace and leisure above the gentle bubbling of bass and drums alongside the gentle ambience of the guitar (and at times orchestral strings). There’s a notable amount of space within the composition that avoids the busy hustle and bustle pitfall. Her technique and expressivity shine through without having to be flashy or aggressive. The overall softness speaks potently with care and thoughtfulness that gives the whole album a distinct feel that makes more a nice point of relaxation and reflection.
Horizons is now available on major streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music as of Friday, July 15, 2022. Find this and more exciting new music on our Alchemical Multigenre Mixdown playlist on Spotify.
Charlie Maybee is a dancer, musician, educator, and writer based in Charleston, South Carolina who currently teaches with the Dance Program at the College of Charleston. His primary work as an artist is with his performing collective, Polymath Performance Project, through which he makes interdisciplinary performance art that centers tap dance as the primary medium of expression and research. He also currently plays rhythm guitar for the Charleston-based punk band, Anergy, and releases music as a solo artist under the name Nox Eterna.
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