Critically acclaimed free jazz saxophonist Zoh Amba has surprised listeners with her latest release, 'Eyes Full', an album that sees her pivot towards a rugged country rock sound. Released under the Matador label, the record, while a departure from her usual avant-garde jazz compositions, reportedly retains the intense, boundary-pushing energy that has become synonymous with her work.
Amba, who has garnered a reputation as a formidable figure in the free jazz scene, uses 'Eyes Full' to explore deeply personal themes, particularly those rooted in her Tennessee childhood home. This thematic focus provides a raw and authentic backdrop to the thrashing, yet often tender, country rock tracks featured on the album.
The opening track, 'OCD', offers an immediate insight into Amba's storytelling approach. The song reportedly begins with a twinkling, rootsy guitar melody, which Amba then deliberately stops and restarts. This interruption is described as a search for the most fitting way to convey the narrative of a boy diagnosed with 'dreamin' all the time', ultimately landing on a complex blend of empathy and a sense of conspiracy.
This stylistic shift and thematic depth suggest Amba is not merely experimenting but is committed to exploring new avenues of musical expression while maintaining the artistic integrity and intensity that characterises her established career. The album's focus on personal history, combined with its genre-bending nature, positions it as a significant release for both fans of Amba's previous work and new listeners interested in innovative music.