I'd like to put the spotlight on a force of nature who's one of the most unique voices in Jazz guitar today. Ella Zirina's playing is mature, full of depth and unlike that of any player I can put my finger on. She plays guitar like a novelist plays with ideas. This solo alone is a testament to that. In this short duration there are nods from Jim Hall to Jimi Hendrix. The first two ascending chord runs display some classic comping tricks from Hall with the kind of colour you could expect from Little Wing.
'Intertwined' (Zirina's debut album) relishes in this contrast. 'Intertwining' kicks off the album with some tightly arranged trio playing, the rhythm section supporting the tune throughout. This is a classy piece that pays the greatest homage to the chordal masters like Hall or Kessel, while still showcasing Zirina's signature touch. She creates cascading textures using open strings against shifting harmony like light playing on water.
A saxophone is introduced in 'Seymour Filling The Void' at the album's most playful moment. The head had me smiling, nodding and increasing my pace as I walked along the canal. I was close to jogging by the guitar solo!
I'd also like to draw attention to the solo guitar piece 'I loves you porgy'- my introduction to the album. Beginning in a free time exploration of the harmony of the tune, Zirina chooses a Lydian quality exploiting the tension of the open B string against an F chord. When the A section drops, the listener might imagine a trumpet playing with piano accompaniment. The melodic lines have a brassy tone, while the comping between phrases has a distinct gospel piano feeling.
She's just released another stunning album and I can't wait to see what the rising star achieves in the future. If you'd like to learn some phrases from this solo, the score is available at the top of the page.
Related Posts
