Odyssey – Nubya Garcia

Odyssey marks a major artistic step for saxophonist Nubya Garcia within the landscape of contemporary jazz.

Following the success of her debut Source, Garcia expanded her musical language with a record that embraces orchestral arrangements, layered compositions and a more dramatic sonic scope.

The album opens with Dawn, featuring Esperanza Spalding, setting the tone for a journey where multiple instrumental voices interact in dense, evolving textures. Garcia’s tenor saxophone acts as a guiding narrative force throughout the record.

Tracks such as The Seer emphasize rhythmic tension and improvisational intensity, while pieces like We Walk in Gold, featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow, explore atmospheric and contemplative territory.

Although traces of hip-hop, dub and broken beat appear throughout the album, Odyssey primarily stands out for its orchestral dimension, placing it among the most ambitious contemporary jazz releases of recent years.