"I've been told that my music tells a story, but I don't know the story." These are the words of celebrated French composer Tristan Murail who may very well have been displaying a level of humility in responding to assessments of his music or perhaps that just isn't a hat that Murail knowingly wore in this regard. Myra Brownbridge, however, would serve as the definition of an artist whose music displays the unique gifts of a quintessential storyteller.
Every sublime thing about Brownbridge's debut album, 'The Voyage Out', paints the incredibly compelling and engaging perspective of an artist considering each composition - and subsequently the album as a whole - as a reflection and embodiment of the key moments, relationships and life experiences that have ultimately brought her to its creation.
As a highly-decorated bassist, writer, composer and educator, Myra Brownbridge's path has already brought so many notable successes her way from having graced stages alongside saxophonist Tony Kofi, Zara McFarlane, the BBC Concert Orchestra, Tomorrow's Warriors as well as having accrued some eminent academic achievements over the years. As the recipient of Trinity Laban's Innovation Award and the Ed Renshaw Award, Brownbridge can further boast having attended the Purcell School, Christian McBride's Jazz House Kids Summer School, Guildhall, Trinity Laban and JazzDanmark's Summer Sessions.
Despite her obvious and frankly undeniable talents, one of Brownbridge's most endearing qualities rests in her unwavering quest to continue learning and to continue cultivating her ever-expanding world view. Even a fleeting analysis of her music could detect the myriad of influences that fuel her vision - from folk to Latin rhythms, Brownbridge finds inspiration from so much of the world around her and skilfully interweaves subtle tinges of each into her compositions to exquisite effect.
Backed by some incredible names that comprise Brownbridge's quartet, 'The Voyage Out' benefits tremendously from the contributions of guitarist Tom Ollendorff, saxophonist George Garford and Matthew Holmes on drums who play with such a refined chemistry throughout the album's seven tracks. A distinction that rings true on the more spirited numbers like 'The Joy of Being' all the way to the more introspective pieces like the album's elegant title track.
Tony Kofi lends an exalted assist on 'As Dreams Are Made' continuing his long-standing collaborative history with Brownbridge developed through a series of performances celebrating the music of Thelonious Monk. A final mention goes to the album's blissful album closer, 'Icarus', which showcases a sensational Myra Brownbridge vocal that would have been a wholly welcome inclusion on more of the album's tracks.
'The Voyage Out' is an incredibly accomplished debut release - a piece of work that presents such a succinct depiction of Myra Brownbridge as an artist who is fully aware of her story and equipped with every skill imaginable when it comes to sharing it with others.
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