No Language

Jazz re:freshed are proud to present a new single'Cycles/Circles'by Allexa Nava, a blossoming saxophonist, flautist and composer, taken from debut EP'No Language'released on 28th February 2025. Originally hailing from Peru now based in London, Nava's largest body of work to date showcases an elevated point of view and non-conformist approach to composition sharing her enriching story of mustering the courage to break out of a veritable limitations in music education to create a body of work that oozes authenticity and promise. Inspired by the 'gritty, muscular funk' of jazz saxophonist Chris Potter's'Ultrahang'and the captivating harmonic soundscapes of esteemed pianist Brad Mehldau, Nava's modern jazz fusion debut illustrates confidence and poise through her high energy, powerful playing.'Circles/Cycles'is the perfect introduction to the whole project fully produced by Nava, as the title suggests, the theme explored is a single idea looped round and round, swirling synths and commanding drums played by fellow rising virtuoso, Cassius Cobbson alongside a slew of next generation musicians making an impact on the critically acclaimed London jazz scene.'Circles/Cycles'the brand new track by Allexa Nava released digitally on 22nd January with the full project,'No Language'landing on February 28th 2025 via Jazz re:freshed label.

The project was conceived as an awakening to demand for Nava's music overseas in Poland, fulfilling a dream to play abroad and inspired to expand and challenge herself with producing a larger body of work where she could develop and showcase her skills both as a musician and producer in 2022. The result was a joyful and challenging recording process over multiple sessions in 2024 at Zig Zag Studios and Goldsmiths Music Studios, London. Led by Allexa Nava on Alto Sax, Synths and Percussion, supported by innovative bassist Asaph Kolakale of neoteric 'JazzFunknSoul' outfit, Kolakale Kolective, and intricate guitar riffs of Solomon Kolakale (Burna Boy) on track 'Cycles/Circles'.'Recortes'(translation 'cutouts') achieves Nava's desire to merge two contrasting tunes into one, differing in both atmosphere and time signature featuring groove-laden bass by Alley Lloyd (Colectiva/ Poppy Ajudha/Fleur East) and 2023 Young Musician's company winner, Emile Hinton's delicate and dynamic Piano/Synth playing, culminating in an experimental project of forward-thinking music. On inspirations behind the EP Nava shares:

"When I started to learn saxophone, I was playing classical music. It was not until I moved to the UK when I was first drawn to Jazz and where I started learning on my own and improvising in the way I understood things were played. My own interpretation. It was while in Conservatoire that I realised that I was doing/playing things differently and had a lack of language, hence the title. I'm still learning and will always be a student but I made this record to document my current ideas. My playing and writing will definitely change in a few months or in a year, but even with the contradiction of not having much language, I felt the need to document an era in my life that changed me as a student for the better."

The debut EP'No Language'by Allexa Nava is released on digital format only on 28th February 2025 via Jazz re:freshed label with the first single ''Cycles/Circles'dropping on 22nd January across all digital streaming platforms.

Allexa Nava is a saxophonist, flautist and composer, originally from Peru. Graduating from the prestigious Trinity Laban Conservatoire and having graced the stages of several significant festivals across the UK, including We Out Here, Wilderness, Brainchild, and Glastonbury. Nava has performed at venues such as Ronnie Scotts, Pizza Express Jazz Club, Jazz in the Round and more. Her music found its way onto the playlists of numerous esteemed radio stations, such as Jazz FM, Soho Radio, BBC Introducing London, Blue in Green, Worldwide FM, Portuguese "Antena 3", and even reached the airwaves of WYEP Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania. In 2025, Allex Nava is definitely one to watch.

Tracklist:

1. Cycles/Circles

2. CopyCat

3. For Those Not Here (Our Version)

4. Recortes

5. In the Final

Musicians:

Allexa Nava - Alto Sax, Synths and Percussion

Li Sing Chi - Keyboard and Synths

Emile Hinton - Synths and Piano (Track 4 & 5)

Cassius Cobbson - Drums

Asaph Kolakale - Bass (Track 1 & 2)

Alley Lloyd - Bass (Track 4)

Solomon Kolakale - Guitar (Track 4 & 5)

Sophya - Vocals (Track 5)