YAZZ AHMED – Polyhymnia (Reissue) – 2LP – Vinyl [NOV 15]

2LP – Black Vinyl (2024 Reissue)

Yazz Ahmed is a British-Bahraini trumpet player and composer. Through her music, she seeks to blur the lines between jazz, Arabic folk and electronic sound design, bringing together the sounds of her mixed heritage in what has been described as psychedelic Arabic jazz, intoxicating and compelling.

Yazz Ahmed’s album Polyhymnia celebrates female courage, determination, and creativity. Commissioned by Tomorrows Warriors in 2015, she wrote an extended work for their Nu Civilisation Orchestra, performed at the Women of the World Festival on International Womens Day at the QEH, London. Channelling Polyhymnia, the Greek Muse of music, poetry, and dance, Yazz created a suite of movements dedicated to outstanding women role models. This album contrasts her previous work, “La Saboteuse,” which was driven by her inner-destroyer or anti-muse.

Since the premiere performance, the music evolved and deepened, with Yazz choosing to feature a wider pool of artists, including members of her Hafla band and other musical friends, on this recording. Yazz shares her musical response to the stories and achievements of exceptional women, including Rosa Parks, Haifaa Al-Mansour and Malala Yousafzai, and simultaneously illuminates the creativity and talents of her musical collaborators. She hopes to inspire others, echoing Malala’s words, “to be brave, to embrace the strength within themselves, and realise their full potential.”

Tracklist:

A1. Lahan Al Mansour [9:57]
A2. Ruby Bridges [9:42]

B1. One Girl Among Many [9:32]

C1. 2857 [8:30]
C2. Deeds Not Words [8:53]

D1. Barbara [10:25]

Alcyona Mick piano & Fender Rhodes
Alex Ridout trumpet
Becca Toft trumpet & voice
Camilla George – alto sax & voice
Carol Jarvis trombone, bass trombone & voice
Charlie Pyne double bass, bass guitar & voice
Chlo Abbott trumpet
Corrina Silvester percussion & voice
Gemma Moore baritone sax
George Crowley bass clarinet
Helena Kay alto sax & voice
Johanna Burnheart violin & voice
Josie Simmons baritone sax & voice
Naadia Sheriff piano
Noel Langley trumpet, flugelhorn & voice
Nubya Garcia tenor sax & voice
Ralph Wyld vibraphone & glockenspiel
Rosie Turton trombone & voice
Samuel Hllkvist guitars
Sarah Tandy piano, Fender Rhodes & voice
Sheila Maurice-Grey voice
Shirley Tetteh guitar & voice
Sophie Alloway drums & voice
Tori Freestone alto flute, soprano sax & tenor sax
Yazz Ahmed trumpet, flugelhorn, Kaoss Pad & voice