Yazz Ahmed - Finding My Way Home (LP)

2011's "Finding My Way Home" is the debut album
by British-Bahraini trumpet player Yazz Ahmed. The

album blends original compositions and improvisa-
tions, reflecting Yazz's Arabic heritage and classic jazz

influences from the 1950s and 60s. Inspired by her

grandfather, jazz trumpeter, Terry Brown, Yazz devel-
oped a passion for the trumpet, leading to this unique

musical exploration.

The album features collaborations with many nota-
ble musicians, including bass guitar virtuoso Janek

Gwizdala. Yazz and Janek reconnected through Face-
book after a decade apart, resulting in a recording

session of duets, incorporating Arabic scales in pieces
like "Embarkation" and "Al Muharraq". Recorded in
London, the intimate tracks highlight the synergy
between flugelhorn and bass guitar.
Yazz's original compositions, "Conciliation" and "Flip
Flop", are performed by her first quintet, featuring
a classic jazz line-up. However, with the addition of
percussionist, Corrina Silvester, now an ever-present
collaborator, and bass clarinettist, Shabaka Hutchings,
on "Wah-Wah Sowahwah", we get a glimpse of what's
to come as Yazz's music evolves.
The album culminates with the expansive title track,
weaving together various elements key to Yazz's style,
and capturing the essence of the album's musical
journey.