14th October 2022: ‘Redefining Element 78’ – the new album from Rebecca Nash is out December 9 – pre order available from today

Redefining Element 78 – now available for pre-order – is the latest record from British pianist-composer Rebecca Nash and we are thrilled to present it as a follow up to her hugely successful 2019 debut Peaceful King. The album was commissioned by Bristol Jazz Festival and this suite – a collection of eight pieces inspired by confluence of sound and science – is centred around precious metals; Platinum, Osmium, Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, and Palladium.

Redefining Element 78 will be released December 9 and is available to pre-order exclusively on our e-store.

Click here for full details and to pre-order in CD / DL / 180 gram 2xLP

PERSONNEL

Rebecca Nash – piano
John O’Gallagher – saxophone
Nick Malcolm – trumpet
Jamie Leeming – guitar
Paul Michael – bass
Matt Fisher – drums
Chris Mapp – electronics (4,6)
Nick Walters – electronics (5)

ABOUT THE ALBUM

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, Iridium, Ruthenium, and Palladium.

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.

The artwork, designed by Brooklyn-based artist Pat Vale, tells the story of a small child who awakens at night to discover another world. Looking closely, you can see imagery of old-fashioned chemistry equipment along with fragments of musical instruments and the architecture of Bristol, Lisbon, and New York, the three main cities that link this project.

Stay tuned for more info, singles and tour dates from Rebecca….