Ella Zirina - Boundless Blue, Sunset Hue (2024) [Hi-Res]

The saying "still waters run deep" perfectly encapsulates the essence of Amsterdam-based jazz guitarist, composer, and bandleader Ella Zirina, originally from Latvia. Beneath the effortless and calm exterior of her lush, freeform style lies a richness of complex layers and emotional depth, all culminating in her new album “Boundless Blue, Sunset Hue,” set for release this October.

Zirina's ascent in the Dutch jazz guitar scene has been nothing short of meteoric. Graduating with the highest honors from the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, she swiftly transitioned from student to mentor, now imparting her expertise as a guitar instructor in the jazz department at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. Simultaneously, she has captivated audiences across Europe, gracing prestigious stages like BIMhuis, the Amersfoort Jazz Festival, and the Oslo Jazz Festival, with luminaries such as Kurt Rosenwinkel, Joey Baron, and Tineke Postma. Through these experiences, Zirina has honed her craft, developing a distinctive musical voice that stands out as truly her own.

The basic premise of her music, however, is straightforward: With two albums under her belt already paving the way, her music offers a heartfelt expression of emotion through memorable melodies, intricate textures and grooves, and dynamic improvisations, reflecting a deep love for the instrument and its unpredictable beauty.

“Boundless Blue, Sunset Hue” is built on this very foundation. Drawing inspiration from musical heroes like Joni Mitchell, Aleksandr Scrjabin, and Bill Frisell, Zirina presents a collection of new compositions. Some of these pieces were crafted during an immersive one-week retreat in February 2024. To foster a more intuitive and fluid creative process, Zirina dedicated each day of the retreat to a single composition, allowing her to capture raw, emotional ideas without the constraints of preconceived expectations, resulting in a rich tapestry of moods and atmospheres.

These, in turn, were brought to life by alternating trio lineups. The core of the album features Zirina on guitar, Jamie Peet (Netherlands) on drums, and Ton Felices (Spain) on double bass. Occasionally, this trio is augmented by drummer Eloi Pascual Nogue (Spain) and Felices on double bass. The album is further enriched by guest appearances from saxophonist Otis Sandsjö (Sweden) and pianist Chaerin Im (South Korea), along with an occasional string quartet arrangement.