Zara McFarlane has been making a stir in the UK Jazz scene since her debut album, 'Until Tomorrow', dropped on Brownswood in 2011. 2014 saw the release of her second album, and witnessed her receive the much coveted title of 'Best Jazz Act' at the UK MOBO awards. Since then her popularity has grown in leaps and bounds and it seems 2017 is no exception. 'All Arise' dropped last Friday and we've had it on repeat in our office since it landed.

The Music...

The album opens with 'Ode To Kumina', a rhythmically charged introduction that sets the tone for what's to follow. Kumina is an Afro-Jamaican religion originating in the Congo with a heavy focus on practices that include dance and music. And this seems to be among the many influences for the work. The music flits effortlessly between jazz, soul and reggae with African-inspired, broken-beat rhythms throughout. And this is unsurprising in a way when you look to the production credit. The album has been produced in large part by Moses Boyd, the multi-award winning, London-based drummer. McFarlane's voice seduces the listener with its subtle vibrato, only ever rarely giving you a hint of the full power that lies beneath. And with a vocal range such as she possesses, you come to expect the rich, fullness that gives her music its unique dynamism.

The Label...

Brownswood Recordings seems to go from strength to strength with each passing year. Gilles Peterson has long been a taste-maker in the UK music scene, and the last couple of years are a case in point. 2016 saw the release of Yussef Kamaal's 'Black Focus', which soared to great heights in the UK vinyl charts. This year has already witnessed an album from Afro-Cuban sensation, Dayme Arecona and a killer 10" from McFarlane herself. 

Looking Ahead...

'All Arise' marks another great moment in the ever evolving London jazz scene. Much success undoubtedly lies ahead for McFarlane and Brownswood, and we wait with bated breath to see what's in store for 2018...

Grab your copy...

The LP release is out now and you can grab your copy here.

Check out Zara McFarlane's website, and don't forget to keep up to date with Brownswood Recordings.

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