CD Review, Emma Rawicz, Inkyra

Emma Rawicz’s journey from her early performances, including a striking appearance at the Red Sea Jazz Festival, to her latest album, “Inkyra”, demonstrates a clear development into a mature and confident artist. Since her 2023 debut “Chroma”, Rawicz has established herself as an important presence on the European jazz scene. “Inkyra” reflects this progress, presenting a compositionally rich and carefully balanced set performed by a skilled sextet.

The album opens with “Earthrise”, a brief atmospheric piece that sets a reflective tone. Its ethereal character serves as an introduction to the following track, “Particles of Change”, which features a complex melodic structure led by Rawicz’s tenor saxophone. The track progresses to an open, expansive saxophone solo while building in dynamics, showcasing Rawicz’s control over both intensity and space within the music.

“Time and Other Thieves” continues with an ethereal quality, distinguished by the use of counterpoint between composed melodic lines and improvisation. This approach highlights the balance between structure and spontaneity that characterizes the album as a whole.

“A Portrait of Today” shifts towards a stronger rhythmic foundation, rooted in the fusion styles of the 1970s with a Latin influence. Emma’s solo stands out for its clarity and precision, supported by a rhythm section that maintains a steady drive throughout the track.

The brief track “Lunar” introduces sequenced synthesizer elements and atmospheric pads, flowing seamlessly into “Moondrawn”, which presents a heavier, more intense sound marked by a crescendo of layered textures. This track suggests influences beyond jazz, including progressive rock, without losing the coherence of the group’s collective sound.

“Anima Rising” shares compositional and dynamic traits with “Particles of Change”, providing another platform for individual solos and group interaction. David Preston’s guitar solo on this track is especially notable for its articulate phrasing and expressive detail. “All My Yellow Afternoons” continues in a similar fashion, contributing to the thematic cohesion of the album.

“Marshmallow Tree” offers a contrast with its fast Latin rhythm and lighter character. Gareth Lockrane’s flute solo adds a lyrical brightness that contributes variety to the overall mood of the record.

The album closes with “A Long Goodbye”, a short piece that recalls the atmospheric qualities of the opening track, providing a measured and considered conclusion to the listening experience.

The sound quality on “Inkyra” is strong, with a clear mix that highlights the delicate interplay among the musicians. The interaction between Emma Rawicz and Gareth Lockrane is particularly effective, creating melodic dialogue that adds depth to the ensemble’s sound. The rhythm section, featuring electric bass and drums, provides a solid and flexible foundation, while the keyboards contribute additional layers of texture without overwhelming the music. The use of sequenced elements adds interest on select tracks and fits naturally into the arrangements.

Having followed Emma Rawicz’s development from her early career until now, including her recognition as a BBC New Generation Artist, “Inkyra” confirms her steady growth as a composer and bandleader. The album benefits from the strong collaborative input of her sextet, whose members have clearly invested time in developing the material through rehearsals and workshops.

One minor critique concerns the relative uniformity in some of the compositions. At times, certain harmonic and rhythmic approaches feel repeated, which may give the impression of limited variation across the album. However, close listening reveals layers of detail and nuance that reward attention and reflect a deliberate compositional approach.

Emma Rawicz, Act

Overall, “Inkyra” is a well-crafted album that solidifies Emma Rawicz’s position on the European jazz scene. It combines compositional complexity with strong performances and thoughtful arrangements. For listeners interested in contemporary jazz that balances exploration with structure, this album offers a significant and rewarding experience.

Release Details
Release Date: 31 October 2025
Format: CD | Vinyl | Streaming
Label: ACT Records