Premiered by Lauren Laverne on BBC 6Music, Blessed feat. Nadya Albertsson is the new single from Glasgow-based pioneering DJ-Producer Rebecca Vasmant, taken from her upcoming album Who We Are, Becoming, out 9th May via a label partnership between New Soil and Women In Jazz.

The track follows Rooted feat. Paix & Emilie Boyd which saw support from Jamz Supernova, Gilles Peterson, Nemone, Deb Grant & Tom Ravenscroft, Craig Charles, Huey Morgan, Don Letts (BBC 6Music), Jamie Cullum (BBC Radio 2), Emma-Jean Thackray (BBC Radio 3), The Quay Sessions (BBC Radio Scotland), Tony Minvielle and China Moses (Jazz FM), FIP Radio France, The Skinny, Wordplay and beyond.

Purchase Blessed here

Pre Order ‘Who We Are, Becoming’ here

Written as a love letter to one of Rebecca’s favourite records, Blessed feat. Nadya Albertsson takes inspiration from the Garrick’s Fairground track “Blessed Are The Peacemakers”, by Michael Garrick and Norma Winstone. “I am so incredibly grateful to have heard this track, it has absolutely changed my life”, Rebecca explains. “I wanted to make my own version as a way to show my gratitude and love for such a beautiful piece of music”. Through the making of the track, Rebecca became pen pals with Michael Garrick’s son Gabriel, after asking for his blessing to use a sample of his dad’s piano from the original record. This has started some beautiful and deep conversations about jazz, connection, collaboration and more.

Expanding the boundaries of traditional jazz production, Vasmant leads a 25-strong ensemble of musicians (with a 60/40 female/male split) on a sonic journey exploring themes of identity, equality, femininity, and self-growth. As she puts it, “This album is about becoming your true self and accepting that we’re part of something bigger.” Vasmant’s unique DIY ethos shines throughout Who We Are Becoming, with all vocals and instruments - apart from drums - recorded in her Glasgow flat using a single Rode microphone gifted by Soma Records’ Jim Matune. Rebecca’s process reflects her self-taught, self-funded, and self-made ethos**: “I’ve always believed you don’t need fancy studios to create amazing music. My setup is basic but meaningful; I’ve built it over time and made it work.”**

The LP is a standout contemporary jazz record, representing an exciting new chapter in Rebecca’s artistic journey. Staying true to her roots, it boasts powerful collaborations with some of Scotland’s finest musical talents, with the single featuring interdisciplinary artist Paix and vocalist Emilie Boyd, alongside Amanda Whiting (harp), Joe Rattray (bass), Graham Costello (drums), and Cameron Thomson-Duncan (trumpet). Rebecca’s impact on Glasgow’s jazz scene is undeniable. Her debut, ‘With Love From Glasgow’, was hailed by Jazzwise, Clash, and The Vinyl Factory, drawing comparisons to Pharoah Sanders and garnering support from tastemakers Gilles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, and Bandcamp’s Andrew Jervis. Follow up EP “Dance Yourself Free” received significant support from BBC 6Music and saw Rebecca celebrate the Record Store Day release with DJ sets at Monorail (Glasgow), Phonica and Rough Trade (London). She has performed live as part of BBC 6Music Festival and has presented ‘Round Midnight on BBC Radio 3. Her label, Rebecca’s Records, has spotlighted Scottish artists such as ARI TSUGI and Azamiah.

Born in Paris and raised in the Scottish countryside, Rebecca moved to Glasgow at 22, earning a Ministry of Sound residency before rejecting commercial pressures to champion her jazz-inspired sound. She has become Scotland’s unofficial ambassador for contemporary jazz, with a journey of resilience, vision, and authenticity, peppered with radio shows for Worldwide FM and Rinse FM. She has performed DJ sets and live ensemble performances alike at acclaimed festivals and venues including Glastonbury, We Out Here, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, Jazz Café, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club, supporting the likes of Questlove, Thundercat, BADBADNOTGOOD and Gilles Peterson.

Thank you to Glow Artist for sharing with us

Rebecca Vasmant Live Dates

March 7th - Jazz Cafe, London Madame Jazz (Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble) // March 15th - Small Town Club, Dundee (DJ) March 22nd - Shapes Festival, Switzerland (DJ) //April 16th - Brick Lane Jazz Festival, London (Rebecca Vasmant Ensemble)

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