The ensemble that recorded Where Light Settles is opulent by jazz standards, particularly as it is not a big band: the booklet lists 15 instrumentalists and a conductor. And at the heart of it all is Jasmine Myra, a British saxophonist, composer, producer and the driving force behind this group of musicians. What do they have to offer?

Would ‘concertante-poetic jazz’ be an apt description? Jasmine Myra’s compositions on Where Light Settles are consistently gentle. They are cleverly arranged, delicately interwoven and softly performed. It creates an atmosphere and offers a sense of calm that seems interwoven with little surprises. And the album has something hypnotic about it, especially when played on repeat.

In total, there are nine pieces that Myra has written for Where Light Settles. Each shines in its own way. Fragments, for example, weaves plucked strings and saxophone passages into a vibrant blend, which then shifts into a completely different, almost brooding dynamic, as if the piece wanted to tell a story and bring it to life.

In Likeness and Shadow, by contrast, the string instruments dance merrily ahead to lay a carpet for the piano and saxophone, over which swelling cymbals arch, before they all merge into a veritable stream of liveliness.

To bring this seductive soundscape – in the best sense of the word – to life, saxophonist Jasmine Myra is joined by flutist Rianne Henriques, alto flutists Joel Stedman and Arran Kent (who also plays the clarinet), guitarist Ben Haskins, pianist Jasper Green, harpist Slice Roberts, double bassist Sam Quintana, violinists Henry Rankin and Ellie Consta, Laurie Dempsey on the viola and cellist Matt Carmichael, as well as Jess Mollie on the vibraphone and George Hall on drums and percussion. Conductor Ozzy Moysey is in charge of control and oversight.

The mix by Greg Freeman, mastered by Peter Beckmann, sounds very convincing with its room-filling and carefully considered layering. The dynamics and fine-tuning are outstanding, the authenticity of the woodwinds and brass captivating. The music is defined, full-bodied and present, yet never overwhelms the room. This is high art, skilfully rounding off and perfecting Where Light Settles.

A very successful recording with the potential to become a favourite. (Thomas Semmler, HighResMac)

Jasmine Myra, alto saxophone, flute
Ben Haskins, guitar
Jasper Green, piano
Alice Roberts, harp
George Hall, drums
Greg Burns, percussion
Ozzy Moysey, conductor (Ancient Infinity Orchestra)