Nubya Garcia isn’t an easily classified artist. Is her music jazz? Sure, the London-born saxophonist, composer and bandleader grew up studying the genre under the noted pianist Nikki Yeoh at Camden Music. But listen to albums like “Source” (2020) and “Odyssey” (2024) and broader creativity shines through. It’s jazz, classical, dub, R&B and whatever else Garcia wants to convey. It all comes from a place of exploration and self-study, of wanting to do all the things across all disciplines while ignoring arbitrary boxes that don’t fit.
Garcia’s sophomore album, “Odyssey” (2024, Concord Jazz), is a majestic feat on which she blends orchestral arrangements with R&B, jazz, broken beat and dub, resulting in a nuanced record that feels airy and celestial without sacrificing the groove. It’s a deeply personal offering about her trek to falling back in love with musical composition over the last four years.
“Source,” her debut album, was released via Concord Jazz to massive critical acclaim, including an NPR “Tiny Desk” Concert, a Pitchfork “Best New Music” review and a Rolling Stone “Album of the Month” mention. In a profile, the New York Times called “Source” “a sweeping set of jazz with Afro-Caribbean influences that funnels a life’s worth of experiences into an hourlong listen.” The album entered the U.K. charts in the Top 30, and she was just one of three artists selected to perform live at Glastonbury’s 2020 Experience, which aired on the BBC to thousands of viewers. “Source” was also nominated for the Mercury Prize, a prestigious award given to the best albums from the United Kingdom or Ireland.
In 2022, Garcia toured the United States, performing in sold-out venues, including Radio City Music Hall in New York, the Ryman in Nashville and the Met in Philadelphia. She then headlined her own tour in the United Kingdom and United States, performing at various festivals such as Glastonbury, Love Supreme, Pickathon and Newport Jazz.
Garcia continues to tour worldwide while also collaborating with major brands like Lululemon, Paul Smith, Labrum, Nicholas Daley and Burberry. She was one of three creatives selected for Fossil’s “Moment in Time” campaign, which was published globally in Vogue, GQ and Glamour magazines. Elsewhere, Garcia has been featured in numerous print publications, including Mojo, Vogue and Ebony.
Garcia’s original music has been heard on Apple TV (“Ted Lasso”), OWN Network (“Cherish the Day”); FX (“Atlanta”); Epic Games (“Fortnite”) and on multiple podcasts (including the theme tune for Anika Noni Rose’s Clio Award-winning podcast “Being Seen”).
Please note: Biographies are based on information provided to the CSOA by the artists or their representatives. More current information may be available on websites of the artists or their management.
