Redefining Element 78 presents a new work by British pianist-composer Rebecca Nash – a distinct musical voice with a deep musical identity. Commissioned by Bristol Jazz Festival, this suite – a collection of eight pieces inspired by confluence of sound and science – is centred around precious metals: Platinum, Osmium, Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, and Palladium.
The music emerged following Nash’s encounter with the writings of legendary New York alto saxophonist John O’Gallagher, who joins her on the album, alongside guitarist Jamie Leeming, trumpeter Nick Malcolm, bassist Paul Michael and drummer Matt Fisher. Electronics are provided by Nick Walters and Chris Mapp.
This album signals both a shift in direction, and a distillation of Nash’s 2019 release Peaceful King (Whirlwind Recordings) – an album admired for its rich harmonic language and sound worlds, that echo those of late Scriabin, Debussy, and Tavener.