Selected for the Guardian’s prestigious 2018 ‘One to Watch’ list, British multi-instrumentalist Nubya Garcia brings her “afro-tinged jazz” to Berlin’s Gretchen.
London-born to Caribbean parents, Garcia has established herself as one of the leading lights of the British jazz resurgence. With collaborations including working with Moses Boyd and Congo Natty, Garcia released ‘5ive’ in 2017 to critical acclaim. She then followed this up with 2018’s self-released EP ‘When We Are’. Bringing together some of the best young British jazz musicians, Garcia has been touring extensively and her Gretchen performance promises to be unmissable.
Principally a saxophonist, Garcia is a talented composer and band-leader with an engaging manner. Her approach is far from the often pretentious veneer with which jazz music is associated. The blend of influences in the music, from hip-hop to R&B, create an exhilarating and diverse sound. There are also echoes of jazz legends, in particular John Coltrane. The music allows space and time for Garcia and her colleagues to improvise freely and display their not inconsiderable talents.
Featured prominently on the BBC’s ‘Introducing’ circuit and by NPR in the US and having furnished her awards cabinet with numerous accolades for her debut album and its follow-up, Garcia is one to catch before she becomes a household name. Having toured in the US, Australia and Europe last year the intimate Berlin show might be the last for some time. The evening should provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy music of the highest quality and to witness musicians at the top of their game.
Nubya Garcia plays at Gretchen on Thursday 11th April. Tickets are available via eventim – or, if you’d like to try your hand at winning two pairs of free tickets, send an email to win(at)indieberlin.de.
Photo credit: Mahaneela Choudhury-Reid
