This septet is not only a culmination of the London jazz renaissance, but also shows that it has as many female as male protagonists. Nérija is formed by female band leaders and members of and , among others , while alto saxophonist and trombonist have already released albums under their own name. Not surprising that they were signed together as Nérija by the well-known indie label . What is
… special about their debut Blume is that the group does not seem to have a leader. In addition to collective songs, everyone contributes compositions. The brass assist each other in often delicate polyphonic melodies against the funky Afro-Caribbean rhythms that so dominate today's London jazz. Sometimes it almost leans towards smooth jazz, but fortunately this is broken with inspired solos from all members. Blume is primarily an accessible jazz album that will also appeal to audiences outside the genre. (MR)more
