London-born Nubya Garcia spent her youth studying jazz and participating in smaller bands and groups. Now, as she tours the United States, Garcia reflects on her 2024 album “Odyssey,” which crisscrosses the genres of jazz, R&B, classical and dub.
“I love the modal sounds, the hard-bop sounds, the spiritual sounds — they breed this kind of energy,” Garcia said.
“I’m also inspired by various U.K. music, garage, dubstep, Latin and reggae. I’ve grown up listening to so much that it’s become part of my musical language. Returning to the cinematic orchestral works with this album has been interesting and exciting.
“I learned how to read music before I performed it, and I started playing at school. I played the saxophone and performed with various school bands and musical service initiatives. I studied jazz instrumentation, learned how to write music and eventually released EPs. With ‘Odyssey,’ I poured so much of my musical voice into it that it took dedication and commitment.”
Garcia’s U.S. tour sees her arrive at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Echoplex, 1154 Glendale Boulevard, Los Angeles. Tickets are $41.75.
“We’re about halfway through the U.S., and it’s been amazing,” Garcia said. “I changed the set every night because it makes things more exciting and fun. I love the different amalgamations of tunes — playing with that flow and order, creating a space for people.
“It’s been a real privilege to work on and write these arrangements, re-arranging everything, because that’s the nature of it. You’re constantly reimagining and remixing things on the fly. It’s reminiscent of the greats I grew up listening to, and I like keeping it alive.”
In 2022, Garcia toured the United States with Khruangbin. Together, the musicians performed at venues such as Radio City Music Hall in New York, The Ryman in Nashville and The Met in Philadelphia. She also attended festivals such as Glastonbury, Love Supreme, Pickathon and Newport Jazz.
Her debut album, 2020’s “Source,” entered the U.K. charts in the top 30. Subsequently, she was one of three artists chosen to perform live at Glastonbury’s 2020 Experience, which was filmed by the BBC. “Source” was also nominated for the Mercury Prize, an award presented to albums from the U.K. and Ireland.
Garcia’s music has appeared in the shows “Ted Lasso, “Cherish The Day” and “Atlanta,” the video game “Fortnite” and actress Anika Noni Rose’s podcast “Being Seen.”
Garcia said she wants an intimate experience with her performances. She uses incense candles where permitted.
“It’s great to have that on the road with us and venue staff allowing it, because I like utilizing as many senses as possible with music,” Garcia said.
“With the incense, I wanted it to have an earthy tone, but also with hints of musky and warm. For those who combine colors and smells, I imagine this album as a warm, earthy red-orange. It’s hard to explain, but I’m proud of it and excited to share it with people. Most places have been reasonable, but we’re flexible, and I completely understand when it’s possible and when it isn’t. I hope we can share it with people.”
Garcia mentioned that, aside from this, people can look forward to hearing familiar-yet-distinct variations of her works. She hopes that audiences will enjoy these variations and have a new experience when she plays the Echoplex.
“We’re performing with saxophone, drums and keys — reworking compositions into a meditative and hypnotic sound experience,” Garcia said. “It’s recognizable but different from what you’d hear in the streaming version. Each audience is different and if you draw from the energy of the room, it makes it very unique.”