Zara’s third and most successful album to date, *Arise*, was re-released in September this year on Gilles Peterson’s label Brownswood Records – ten years after its original release – and she will be touring with two different line-ups in 2027 and 2028.
Drawing on the musical heritage of the Caribbean, the album explores the British-Jamaican identity that emerged from the cultural exchange within London’s music scene.
For the album, Zara collaborated with the renowned drummer and producer Moses Boyd. The result of their joint journey of discovery blends jazz with Jamaican rhythms, reggae, kumina, calypso and nyabinghi, with a light touch of psychedelia. Alongside Moses Boyd, artists such as Binker Golding (tenor saxophone), Peter Edwards (piano), Shirley Tetteh (guitar), Nathaniel Cross (trombone) and Shabaka Hutchings (clarinet). What they all have in common is that, artistically, they are constantly seeking the intersection between different musical styles.
Here are some of the outstanding reviews
“Her third and most impressive album to date.” MOJO ★★★★ “A kaleidoscopic 12-song set.” Record Collector ★★★★ “Understated power.” Jazzwise ★★★★ “Audacious.” Uncut ★★★★ “A classy celebration of black British music.” The List “★★★★ (and a 1/2) All Music “★★★★ Evening Standard
About Zara McFarlane:
Singer-songwriter Zara McFarlane is known for her unique sound melding from Jazz, Reggae, Folk and Nu-Soul.
Having won the Jazz FM vocalist of the year prize twice, Zara has led her band in festivals from British Summer Time (London), Field Day and BoomTown Festivals to prestigious international Jazz festivals and venues such a Ronnie Scotts, The Jazz Cafe, The Royal Albert Hall, Love Supreme (UK), Rochester Jazz (US), Cully Jazz /CH), St Lucia Jazz Festivals and SXSW (US).
With a voice that has been described as „a caressing voice of sparkling clarity,“ Zara is an in-demand vocalist internationally and has performed with acclaimed musicians including Gregory Porter, Gary Bartz, Shabaka Hutchings, Moses Boyd and Ezra Collective and collaborated with esteemed such as producers Lil´ Louie Vega and Swindle. Zara has also Opera and worked as a music educator at Conservatories including the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the BIMM Institute.
Quotes
„The mix of jazz and Caribbean music is refreshing and was blended seamlessly live.“ – Cheltenham Jazz Festival
“One of the best concerts of the festival, captured the local crowd very well … fresh and energetic” – Istanbul Jazz Festival
„Musical variety and joining of the dots from jazz to reggae/dub, funk … engaging with the audience“ – Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club
„Arise“★★★★ „A class act“ – The Guardian
„exploring new avenues in modern jazz. ‘Arise’ illustrates how McFarlane is one of the few artists with the ability to make jazz-soul sound current“ – Clash Magazine 8/10