Finding My Way Home

2011’s “Finding My Way Home” is the debut album by British-Bahraini trumpet player Yazz Ahmed. The album blends original compositions and improvisations, reflecting Yazz’s Arabic heritage and classic jazz influences from the 1950s and 60s. Inspired by her grandfather, jazz trumpeter, Terry Brown, Yazz developed a passion for the trumpet, leading to this unique musical exploration.

The album features collaborations with many notable musicians, including bass guitar virtuoso Janek Gwizdala. Yazz and Janek reconnected through Facebook after a decade apart, resulting in a recording session of duets, incorporating Arabic scales in pieces like “Embarkation” and “Al Muharraq”. Recorded in London, the intimate tracks highlight the synergy between flugelhorn and bass guitar.

Yazz’s original compositions, “Conciliation” and “Flip Flop”, are performed by her first quintet, featuring a classic jazz line-up. However, with the addition of percussionist, Corrina Silvester, now an ever-present collaborator, and bass clarinettist, Shabaka Hutchings, on “Wah-Wah Sowahwah”, we get a glimpse of what’s to come as Yazz’s music evolves.

The album culminates with the expansive title track, weaving together various elements key to Yazz’s style, and capturing the essence of the album’s musical journey.

Track List:

SIDE A

1. Embarkation
2. Wah-Wah Sowahwah
3. Al Muharraq
4. Conciliation
5. The Birth of the Fool

SIDE B

1. Affirmation
2. Birthdays, Birthdays
3. Finding My Way Home