Rebecca Nash - Redefining Element 78 (2022)

'Redefining Element 78' presents a new work by British pianist-composer Rebecca Nash - a distinct musical voice with a deep musical identity.

Commissioned by Bristol Jazz Festival, this suite - a collection of eight pieces inspired by confluence of sound and science, is centred around precious metals; Platinum, Osmium, Rhodium etc.

The music emerged following Nash's encounter with the writings of legendary New York alto saxophonist John O'Gallagher, who joins her on the album, alongside guitarist Jamie Leeming, trumpeter Nick Malcolm, bassist Paul Michael and drummer Matt Fisher. Electronics are provided by Nick Walters and Chris Mapp.

This album signals both a shift in direction, and a distillation of Nash's 2019 release Peaceful King (Whirlwind Recordings) - an album admired for it its rich harmonic language and sound worlds, that echo those of late Scriabin, Debussy, and Tavener. She explains: "I was reading John O'Gallagher's book - a method for using tone rows in jazz - and by exploring how I could use his approach on the atomic numbers of the six metals, I found this new and exciting musical terrain."

'Redefining Element 78' is a record that maintains genuine musical spontaneity while being meticulously put together by Nash - a pianist and composer who is entering an exciting new phase of her artistic practice. It balances the creative tension between thoughtful and meticulous pre-composed sections and large swathes of dynamic free improvisation - illustrating the deep sense of trust and connection between the players. Deploying these musicians in an ethereal other-worldly context makes for daring and unpredictable music making.

"Nash and her superb band are at the vanguard of innovative and compelling new music" - Downbeat Magazine