UK jazz saxophonist and composer Nubya Garcia’s debut album is made up of five expansive, elongated tracks, all over seven minutes long, along with an additional alternative take. As an opening statement, the first three tracks here clearly illustrate the range and quality of Nubya Garcia’s music, starting with Lost Kingdom which begins with an angular twisting sax melody before blooming into languid, soul-jazz underpinned by clattering, funked-up drums. Fly Free is weightless free flowing ensemble jazz and Hold blends a fat tuba b-line courtesy of Sons Of Kemet’s Theon Cross with a hip hop-ish beat that gradually unfolds into some serious percussion voodoo. 

Nubya’s 5ive gives the listener exciting, playful and emotional ensemble playing over a series of songs that range from dreamy reflection to frantic intensity to soaring free flying expression.

– Harold Heath