Reflections by AlinaHipHarp
Issued on BBE Music, “Reflections” is the new album by London-based harp player and composer Alina Bzhezhinska, alongside her HipHarpCollective.
Following up her critically acclaimed debut album “Inspiration” (Ubuntu 2018), Bzhezhinskaputs together a second long-player, collaborating with British jazz stars Tony Kofi(Saxophones), Jay Phelps (Trumpet), Julie Walkington (Double Bass) and vocalist VimalaRowe, strongly supported by international talents Mikele Montolli (Electric Bass), Joel Prime(Percussion), Adam Teixeira (Drums) and Ying Xue (Violin & Viola).
Alina creates a unique sound on the harp with layered effects and electronics, combining original works and covers to pay homage to some of jazz, funk and hip-hop’s greatest innovators. Throughout the record, she draws from a variety of influences, including the likes of Dorothy Ashby’s ‘Afro-Harping’, Alice Coltrane’s spiritual outputs, Joe Henderson’s free-form jazz experimentation, 90s Acid Jazz and Trip-Hop.
“This album is very vibrant and reflects directly on London’s multicultural community. We had so much fun making this recording - it truly built up our morale in the middle of the pandemic and I hope our fans will feel this energy too.
For ‘Reflections’ I tried to break from any stereotypes and limitations - what you hear is my own choice of sounds and influences, taken from the many mixtapes I've been making since I was a teenager. I put together the music I like to listen to when I am happy or sad when I feel like dancing or meditating. The tunes we play are my own reflections on what I love the most - a free spirit, courage, innovation and all the beautiful things life gives us.
I hope our music can reach people’s hearts and evoke all the spectrum of colours and emotions that only the arts can do.” - Alina BzhezhinskaReflections is released on double LP vinyl, limited edition CD & digital formats.
Tracklist
| 1. | Soul Vibrations | 4:16 |
| 2. | For Carrol | 6:38 |
| 3. | Fire | 7:10 |
| 4. | Reflections | 3:45 |
| 5. | Afro Blue | 5:26 |
| 6. | Alabama | 6:04 |
| 7. | African Flower | 4:59 |
| 8. | Paris Sur Le Toit (Instrumental) | 3:45 |
| 9. | Sans End | 5:38 |
| 10. | Action Line | 5:02 |
| 11. | Paris Sur Le Toit | 3:46 |
| 12. | Meditation | 6:08 |
Credits
Album credits:
1. Soul Vibrations - composed by Richard Evans
2. For Carrol - composed by Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarpCollective
3. Fire - composed by Joe Henderson
4. Reflections - composed by Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarpCollective
5. Afro Blue - composed by Mongo Santamaría
6. Alabama - composed by John Coltrane
7. African Flower - composed by Duke Ellington
8. Paris Sur Le Toit (Instrumental) - composed by Alina Bzhezhinska & 9. HipHarpCollective
10. Sans End - composed by Michele Montolli
11. Action Line - Dorothy Ashby
12. Paris Sur Le Toit - composed by Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarpCollective (Featuring – Lady Sanity, Tom TheyThem)
13. Meditation - composed by Alina Bzhezhinska & HipHarpCollective
License
All rights reserved.Recommendations
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"Alina Bzhezhinska..a modern-day supremo
among the best contemporary harpists” Evening Standard UK.
She is a winer of Parliamentary Jazz Award 2024. Discography: “Inspiration” Ubuntu Music, “Reflections” BBE, "Altera Vita" BBE.
As a side woman: “African Culture” - Shabaka (Impulse!), “Music Aid for Ukraine” (Ubuntu), “Breath Suite“- Ben Mark, “Wu Hen” - Kamaal Williams, Ganavya "Forgive Me My".