Rising star | Oslojazz 2025
Jasmine Myra is a saxophonist, composer, and bandleader based in Leeds, and has become one of the hottest names on the British jazz scene over the past three years. She has released two powerful albums on Gondwana Records, both of which have been showered with praise. Last year’s album, Rising, received near-perfect scores from The Guardian and Jazzwise, and was highlighted as one of 2024’s finest jazz releases both domestically and internationally.
Myra’s music can be described as bright and airy, with a consistently meditative, spiritual tone. Always melodic and appealing, yet with deep substance. She leads a flexible ensemble, where the melodic interplay between harp and saxophone is especially prominent in the soundscape. In many ways, it’s not far removed from the likes of Nala Sinephro, who is also enjoying great success these days. Myra cites inspirations such as Kenny Wheeler, Shabaka Hutchings, Bonobo, and Makaya McCraven for the Rising album, and you can hear that clearly as the six expansive tracks unfold across the canvas.
On the festival’s final day, Myra and her ensemble are set to take the stage in Festsalen at MUNCH—there’s a good chance this could be one of the festival’s biggest highlights!
Concert starts: 19.00
Doors: 18.00
Photo: Sian O’Connor