Jasmine Myra

In the organizer's words:

"Where Light Settles" is the third album from composer, bandleader and saxophonist Jasmine Myra. Released on May 15 on Gondwana Records, it is a cohesive artistic statement from one of the most distinctive and confident voices on the British music scene - and a clear evolution of her critically acclaimed albums Horizons (2022) and Rising (2024). The first single is 'Reflections', a mesmerizing track that is as expansive as it is intimate. A perfect introduction to the album, it combines folk influences with her signature sound, while elegant string arrangements add a new dimension to her music. She says of the single:
"'Reflections' sums up the overall sound and energy of this album. Like other tracks on the album, this track has a folk influence combined with my usual sound. It's also the first time I've written for strings, which I was really excited about. I wanted them to have a more prominent role compared to my previous releases. I particularly love the string melodies in this piece and the depth they create."

"Where Light Settles" brings together nine beautiful and powerfully grounded compositions that reflect Jasmine Myra's reflections on life, growth and evolution - borne from her vision of duality. "It's those bittersweet moments that are heartbreaking but so important. To look forward and try to understand life," she says. "Pain is inevitable, and you will always experience challenges. But without them, you don't grow and you don't get to know yourself or the world around you. The duality is in growing and coming out stronger. I had this concept from the beginning."

Jasmine Myra's multi-layered musical world was created over five days at The Nave Studios in her hometown of Leeds, where it was recorded live with her long-standing ensemble. As well as being entirely composed, "Where Light Settles" is also her first self-produced release, with Matthew Halsall of Gondwana Records as co-producer. The album's colorful sonic palette is informed by Myra's long-standing affinity for film scores and cinematic composition.

It also features a 15-piece ensemble led by Ozzy Moysey, bandleader of the Leeds-based Ancient Infinity Orchestra (also on Gondwana Records), allowing Myra to focus on the delicacy and emotional depth of her alto saxophone lines. Her playing is deliberately embedded in the arrangements and runs through precisely composed parts for strings, piano, flute, guitar, vibraphone and harp as well as tenor saxophone, double bass, drums and percussion. The result is a work that is both expansive and intimate, rich in detail and emotional clarity - and further confirmation that Jasmine Myra is one of the UK's most unique and exciting young female composers and instrumentalists.

Jasmine Myra comes to Halle 424 on 10.10.2026.