Source
by Nubya Garcia
  • Record Label: Concord
  • Release Date: Aug 21, 2020
Metascore
81

Universal acclaim - based on 10 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Pitchfork
    Aug 25, 2020
    83
    On Source, she weaves together so many threads so masterfully that she instantly establishes herself as a foundational voice in the larger, ongoing story of the London jazz scene. Her debut is a stunning introduction.
  2. Record Collector
    Jun 18, 2021
    80
    Overall, Source is a thing of wondrous beauty, revealing that the hyperbole accompanying Garcia patently isn't out of proportion to her talent. [Sep 2020, p.101]
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  3. Clash Music
    Aug 21, 2020
    80
    Garcia allows these songs to ebb and flow without a clear end point in mind, allowing the interplay between her band-members to become this album’s primary draw. She has proven herself to be just as formidable a composer as she is a performer.
  5. AllMusic
    Aug 20, 2020
    80
    Source, with its adventurous, kinetic, and sophisticated approach in wedding modern composition, improvisation, and production to rhythmic and harmonic traditions, is one of the very best.
  6. New Musical Express (NME)
    Aug 20, 2020
    80
    ‘Source’ is a reflection of Nubya Garcia’s hometown; a mirror spotlighting London’s skilled musicians and a reminder of how thrilling this scene can be. The project’s urgency is baked in calming undertones, forcing listeners to be meditative and to connect, and a sense of rejuvenation, providing a call towards a larger sense of community.
  7. Uncut
    Aug 18, 2020
    80
    Deeply melodic, brilliantly played, and blessed with a spirit that feels generous and boundless. [Oct 2020, p.26]
  8. Mojo
    Aug 18, 2020
    80
    While her own solos have a fluent grandeur, Garcia remains as generous a leader as she was a collaborator. [Sep 2020, p.89]
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  9. Q Magazine
    Aug 18, 2020
    80
    Elevated throughout by Garcia's immaculate phrasing, this is music that fuses he tradition and modern with real purpose. [Sep 2020, p.110]
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  10. The Line of Best Fit
    Aug 18, 2020
    80
    Chockful of jazz that embraces you in a familiar feeling, Source is akin to an old friend you may not see for a while, but whenever you do, the world feels that little bit brighter and it’s as if no time has passed at all.
  11. The Wire
    Nov 6, 2020
    60
    Where the jazz content is foregrounded however, the music is less convincing. ... Garcia’s tone bears more than a passing resemblance to Kamasi Washington’s, with a similar paucity of harmonic complexity and grandstanding solos conveying an earnest seriousness that mistakes widescreen emoting for genuine emotional content. [Sep 2020, p.52]
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.1

Universal acclaim- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. GlobalReview
    Aug 31, 2020
    9
    This album was such a surprise in a good way! One of the best instrumentalists I’ve heard in a while. I love the jazz that’s coming out ofThis album was such a surprise in a good way! One of the best instrumentalists I’ve heard in a while. I love the jazz that’s coming out of the UK, and her tone on the sax is fantastic! A couple tracks aren’t to my taste, but that’s personal taste. Love the blends of jazz and afrobeat, dub and other influences. Overall I highly recommend it, one of the best jazz albums I’ve heard from a new artist in a long long time.… Full Review »
  2. Lajaleaa
    Feb 9, 2021
    8
    ( 84/100 )

    Saxofonista, compositora, Dj y más, Nubya Garcia, de Inglaterra, con menos de 30 años de edad y apenas 3 años en la industria de    ( 84/100 )

    Saxofonista, compositora, Dj y más, Nubya Garcia, de Inglaterra, con menos de 30 años de edad y apenas 3 años en la industria de la música, presenta su álbum debut. Un álbum empapado de Jazz Fusion y lleno de intensidad y sensibilidad. Para los amantes del Jazz, afortunadamente este año tiene algunos fuertes contendientes con proyectos de jazzistas tan importantes como Kamasi Washington, Moses Boyd, Shabaka And The Ancestor y Keleketla! (ambos proyectos con Shabaka Hutchings). Nubya se añade a la lista sin miedo y con fuerza. Producido junto a kwes., "SOURCE" es un regocijo cultural y folclórico de la historia familiar de Nubya y su futuro. El Jazz en este álbum es precioso, dinámico, vivo, incansable, energético, sensible y creativo. Así mismo no trata de integrar mucha instrumentación pero explora todo el poder del saxofón de Nubya. Simplemente un paseo extenso e interesante que vale la pena tener.
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    Saxophonist, a composer, Dj, and more, Nubya Garcia, from England, with less than 30 years old and with just 3 years in the music industry, presents her debut album. An album soaked with Jazz Fusion and full of intensity and sensibility. For the lovers of Jazz, fortunately, this year has some strong contenders with projects of very important jazzists such as Kamasi Washington, Morses Boyd, Shabaka And The Ancestor, and Kelekela! (both projects with Shabaka Hutchings. Nubya adds herself to the list without fear and with strength. Produced with kwes., “SOURCE” is a cultural and folkloric delight of Nubya’s family story and her future. The Jazz in this album is precious, dynamic, alive, untiring, energic, sensible, and creative. Moreover, she doesn't try to integrate a lot of instrumentations but explores the whole power of Nubya’s saxophone. Simply an extensive and interesting walk that is worth having.    … Full Review »
  3. zarryisreal
    Aug 27, 2020
    0
    Too bad, like, really bad, one of the worst I've heard. I expected much more.
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