Kira Linn - Illusion [CD] (ONLINE ORDER ONLY)

German baritone saxophonist and composer Kira Linn presents Illusion, alongside her six-piece band - the Linntett, the album moves in genres ranging from pop to jazz and indie to electro, neo-soul and R&B, played by three saxophones (Linn on baritone, Nino Wenger on alto and Christoper Kunz on tenor) as well as Rhodes (Lukas Groflmann), electric bass (Lukas Keller) and drums (Johannes Koch).

Linn's technique and training are rooted in more traditional big band and modern jazz styles, but she has also been influenced by the likes of Billie Eilish, Arlo Parks and Laura Mvula, making for an album with an exciting mix of styles. For the first time, she sings and has written her own lyrics. "I started to write songs and also I wanted to use my voice," she explains. "It's so different from playing notes because of course, it's so much more direct." Anger and powerlessness, but also strength, diversity and freedom are core concepts that run through the record, "the songs are all inspired by emotions and topics that came up during the pandemic," Linn says. These concepts are also represented visually in the design with bright, bold colors and a bandleader who takes on a new form in every picture.

Illusions is an album demonstrating the startling creativity of Linn who so competently uses her work to speak about social themes on her own terms and in her own distinctive way - a refreshing new record from a refreshing new voice on the scene.

1. Hello 2. Rage 3. That Thing 4. Numb_ers 5. Illusion 6. Zoom 7. Zoom II 8. Underwater 9. Dumb-ness 10. Women to Sky 11. Solitude

• Format Detail: CD
• Format: CD
• Genre: Jazz