Yazz Ahmed La Saboteuse

In 2017, Bahraini-British trumpeter and flugelhorn player Yazz Ahmed revolutionised jazz with her album "La Saboteuse," blending her dual heritage with electronic effects to redefine the genre. The record delves into her British and Bahraini roots, featuring musicians like Lewis Wright and Shabaka Hutchings, and is characterised by its Middle Eastern melodies and evocative rhythms, exploring themes of self-doubt personified by a female saboteur. Yazz’s early years in Bahrain and her grandfather's trumpet playing in London inspired her musical journey, with the influence of modern-day contemporary jazz artists - and Ahmed’s own contemporaries - like Kamasi Washington and Sons of Kemet also seeping in. Her unique sound incorporates Arabic melodies, reflecting her cultural heritage and British jazz influences. Yazz also challenges the male-dominated jazz sphere, empowered by a rising number of female musicians. Despite improvements, she believes more progress is needed. Looking forward, Yazz Ahmed plans to create a piece inspired by the universe’s ever-changing structures, signalling her continuous innovation in jazz. Her work positions her as a vital part of the evolving jazz landscape, bridging cultural and musical divides. “..Gilles Peterson will be all over this..” - The Quietus “…let Ahmed take you on a beautiful journey of forward-thinking jazz compositions.” - Twistedsoul “its potent mix of post-bop lyricism and modern fusion soundscaping makes connections with both head and heart.” - Dave Sumner, Bandcamp “Even if you’re not familiar or terribly interested in jazz, Ahmed’s music deserves your attention, and she’ll most likely make you second guess your thoughts on jazz.” - Headphone Nation “If Miles Davis was alive today and in the studio recording Bitches Brew, the results might, just might, resemble parts of London-based Yazz Ahmed’s La Saboteuse.” - Chris May, All About Jazz * The Wire - ‘Jazz Album of the year’ * Bandcamp - The Best Albums of 2017 (All Genres - #18) * Bandcamp - ’The Best Jazz Albums of 2017’ * Bandcamp - ‘Editors Favourite Albums of 2017’ (Marcus J Moore) * The Vinyl Factory - ‘Top 50 albums of 2017 (all genres) #15’ * Stereogum - ‘The Best Jazz Albums of 2017’ (#2) * The Bird Is The Worm - ‘Album Of The Year’ * Contemporary Jazz Club - ‘Best Jazz Albums Of 2017’ * Treblezine - ‘Best Jazz Albums Of 2017’ * Listed in All About Jazz as ‘one of the most exciting jazz albums since 1969’ * In January 2020 Downbeat Magazine named Yazz as one of 25 artists set to shape the future of jazz over the next decade. * Recipient of the highly prestigious Ivor Novello Award for Innovation * Jazz FM ‘Jazz Act of the Year’ 2020 * Jazz FM ‘Jazz Album of the Year’ 2020, for her 2019 album, ‘Polyhymnia’. * Available on vinyl again after being out of print for several years * Original pressings ofLa Sabotuese sells for over $250 on Discogs * Album reviews: * The Guardian ⭐⭐⭐⭐ * All About Jazz ⭐⭐⭐⭐ * The Quietus