With the release of her 2022 debut album, Horizons, saxophonist Jasmine Myra became a breakout star of the UK jazz scene. Weaving soft and subtle alto saxophone lines through compositions that paired luscious harmonies with snapping rhythms, Myra showcased her skill as a composer rather than an instrumental virtuoso. On her second album, she continues to produce this gently insistent sound, now leaning further into her capabilities as a soloist.
The opening, title track evokes a Kenny Garrett-style ensemble harmony before picking up the pace to frame Myra’s keening and emotive solo. Still Waters continues this theme, slowly developing an undulating flute and bass motif that underpins a sax solo of longing, elongated phrases. The group compositions are still fully realised, with tracks like Glimmers and How Tall the Mountains establishing arcs of melodic presence and rhythmic intensity, but the real value of Rising lies in Myra’s newfound confidence to place herself at the centre of these tunes. While she never flies into a full-throated scream, the measured breath of her improvisations mark her out as an exciting talent.
