Sara Colman & Rebecca Nash: Ribbons Vol.1.

With an understanding and friendship built over their long collaboration and diverse projects, British songwriting duo Sara Colman and Rebecca Nash present their first combined release, Ribbons Vol.1. The album features 10 original compositions written over a four-year period, each piece being refined at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire where they are visiting teachers.

Their creative chemistry has been forged with pianist-composer Rebecca Nash appearing on vocalist-songwriter Sara Colman's album What We're Made Of (Stoney Lane Records, 2018), Colman returning the favor on Nash's Peaceful King (Whirlwind Recordings, 2019). Their songs carry a strong narrative element with a pleasing balance of space for lyrics, together with long instrumental sections built around a core trio of Nash's piano alongside double bassist Henrik Jensen and drummer Jonathan Silk. Additionally, key contributions are made by a string of guest musicians, greatly expanding the soundscape.

Nash's inviting piano motif ushers in Colman's warm vocals on "Noble Heart," while guest saxophonist Iain Ballamy weaves beautifully through Nash's repeating sequence. The piece unfolds with unusual phrasing and melodic hooks, becoming a real grower as Colman's tightly honed lyrics, are communicated concisely with nothing superfluous added. Ballamy also contributes a terrific solo to "Gardener," a piece inspired by Sakena Yacoobi, an Afghan activist and educator. Colman's impassioned vocals command attention within the strong arrangement, her delivery carrying an undercurrent of anger.

Inspired by the search for beauty, the title track, introduced by a contemplative prologue, features guest Percy Pursglove, whose lyrical flugelhorn twists through Nash's searching piano lines. "Little Light," originally an instrumental track from Nash's Peaceful King album, gains new life here with Colman's added lyrics and a rich tenor saxophone contribution from guest Trish Clowes. While a gently melancholic atmosphere pervades much of the record, the bright "Sophie's Song" is a welcome contrast. This reworking of Wayne Shorter's "Night Dreamer" features Colman's narrative lyrics alongside a superb extended solo from Nash, supported by the empathetic interplay of Jensen and Silk.

Ending with more eloquent work from Nash on her composition, "Goodbye," the album offers fine musicianship within compelling song structures. Nash plays with great flexibility and precision, forming the ideal artistic relationship with Colman's ability to shape bittersweet lyrics in unexpected directions. Ribbons Vol.1. took four years to complete; more of this would be very welcome, so let us hope they build up a bit more momentum for volumes 2—and beyond.