In this edition of Rhodes on Record, we delve into a brand-new track from a trailblazer of the UK Jazz scene, ‘Lean In” by Nubya Garcia.
Nubya Garcia is a Mercury Award-nominated saxophonist and composer from London, UK. ‘Lean In’ is Garcia’s first solo release since 2021 and was last featured on a live collaborative album with Khruangbin ‘Live at Radio City Hall’. Garcia’s debut album ‘Source’ was released in August 2020 and was nominated for the 2021 Hyundai Mercury Prize the following summer. Her music combines Latin American, African, Caribbean and electronic elements creating a joyfully frenetic, groove-orientated sound. Iggy Pop told the Guardian, “If I hear anyone say ‘things aren’t as good as they used to be’, I tell them to listen to Nubya Garcia.”
“Lean In” opens up with a distinctive delayed Rhodes that changes into a twinkling melody throughout the rest of the song and an exceptional composition that revolves around Garcia’s sinuous horn and skittering drums. This intoxicating, agile jazz track is heavily inspired by UK garage. Nubya quotes, “Inspired by the sounds of garage that I grew up around, this track is about the combination of leaning into the frenzy of life and going with the flow, letting the universe keep things moving, and trusting it’s all gonna bop along.”
To listen to this track and many more, follow our Rhodes on Record Spotify playlist – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4u93zxihnOJ6yIecMl3tV0?si=a9935e1780594651
