Jasmine Myra – Where Light Settles
The British saxophonist and composer Jasmine Myra has quickly developed into a striking voice within modern jazz. Her music moves effortlessly between spiritual jazz, ambient and neoclassical influences. Following the well-received album “Rising”, she takes a further step in her development with “Where Light Settles”, which will be released on 15 May 2026. The album sounds more mature, more intimate and even more focused on atmosphere and emotion.
From the opening track “Begin Again” Myra shows that silence and space are just as important as melody. Her saxophone sounds warm and clear, supported by subtle piano tones, bass and a rhythm section that never takes the foreground. Everything serves the composition.
The first single “Sunlit Path” is among the most accessible pieces on the album. The melody unfolds slowly and gains more meaning as the arrangements deepen. Myra plays with remarkable restraint. She is not seeking virtuosity to impress, but rather tone and feeling.
On “Northern Sky” the spiritual side of her music becomes clearly audible. Soft keys and a repetitive rhythm form a meditative foundation over which Myra lets her melodies float. The title track “Where Light Settles” is the emotional centre of the record. Here, hope, introspection and stillness come together in a composition that feels both fragile and powerful.
What makes this album special is the natural way in which jazz is combined with other styles. The music is accessible without becoming superficial and layered without sounding academic. Myra manages to capture complex emotions in clear and often moving melodies.
Those looking for exuberant solos or technical fireworks will not immediately find what they are searching for. “Where Light Settles” demands attention and calm. It is precisely in that understated approach that the album’s greatest quality lies. Jasmine Myra is clearly one of the most interesting young composers in European jazz. “Where Light Settles” is an elegant and carefully constructed album that lingers long after listening. (Elodie Renard) (8/10) (Gondwana Records)
