Odyssey – Nubya Garcia
Odyssey by Nubya Garcia is an ambitious and expansive statement in contemporary jazz. While her debut Source explored the roots of London jazz and Afro-Caribbean musical traditions, Odyssey moves toward a more orchestral and cinematic sound.
The album unfolds through layered arrangements and intricate musical interactions. From the dramatic opening track, Dawn, featuring Esperanza Spalding, to the complex rhythmic architecture of the title track, Garcia constructs a sonic journey that rewards attentive listening.
Though hints of hip-hop and broken beat remain, the album leans toward a symphonic scale reminiscent of the contemporary jazz explorations of Kamasi Washington. The result is a bold and imaginative record that confirms Nubya Garcia as one of the most compelling voices in modern jazz.