Music / Reviews
Review: Nubiyan Twist, Trinity – ‘Effortlessly dynamic, brimming with character’
Seldom do you see energy as high at a gig than Nubiyan Twist’s performance at the Trinity Centre.
Back on the road in support of their latest release, Find Your Flame, the London-based nine-piece kicked off their UK and European tour in Bristol with a show that set the bar incredibly high.
Ever since their formation in 2011, Nubiyan Twist have been making serious waves in the UK jazz scene, renowned for their big band sound and genre-defying capabilities.
Flickering between everything from jazz and soul to more afro-infused funk tracks, Find Your Flame has achieved deserved acclaim following its release in May 2024.
A no-holds-barred project, the album marks a defining moment for the band – somewhat reminiscent of Ezra Collective’s Mercury Prize-winning Where I’m Meant to Be – and cements their position as a force in the modern scene.
Performed live, the tracks reach another echelon of energy and exhilaration.
Bristol was the first stop on the group’s UK and European tour, and set an incredibly high bar for what’s to come
The clock struck 8:45 pm, and the group emerged hastily onto the stage, setting the tone immediately for what would be a fast-paced and frenetic evening. Leading the charge was Aziza Jaye whose rich, soulful vocals – effortlessly dynamic and brimming with character – immediately captivated the crowd.
Having only joined the group in 2023, the Sheffield-born vocalist commanded the stage with a presence and confidence that made it feel as if she had been a mainstay in the group since its inception, masterfully weaving her powerful, resonant tones into their vibrant, horn-driven sound.
Beginning with Lights Out the collective would go on to glide seamlessly between many fan-favourites from the album, each building an infectious energy that would spread through the crowd like a groove-infused fever.
Tracks like Woman, You Don’t Know Me and So Mi Stay had the crowd moving effortlessly, their catchy rhythms and bold bass arrangements proving irresistible.
Catching her breath for a short moment – introducing the album’s title track Find Your Flame – Jaye shared a glimpse into the song’s meaning and inspiration.
The entire album, she explained, was created at a time when the group was feeling particularly unmotivated, uninspired and lacking any real flame.
The track, clear from its very first chords, shows that flame has been reignited.
As is often the case with jazz shows, each and every member of the band was given their moment in the spotlight. The saxophonists, trumpeter and bassists were all given their time to shine in solos across various songs.
That being said, nothing stood out more than the performance of keyboardist Oliver Cadman. As Find Your Flame reached its peak, Cadman delivered a powerful display, his playing aggressive yet simultaneously controlled.
Each note cut through the mix with sharp precision, as he harnessed raw energy while maintaining a tight, purposeful restraint that drove the track to its thrilling climax.
A further highlight was undoubtedly the performance of the track Carry Me. From the moment it kicked in, the track’s vibrant rhythm became impossible to resist, with Jaye playfully commanding the crowd to crouch before leaping up at the chorus.
The crowd responded eagerly, embodying the song’s uplifting spirit, with the sheer energy and joyous pulse of the track leaving the walls of Trinity shaking.
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Nubiyan Twist had not only reignited their flame, but set the stage ablaze with their unrelenting energy and passion.
Their performance was a masterclass in musical synergy, with every band member contributing to a sound that was as fervent as it was groovy.
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With a tour still ahead of them, it’s clear this is just the start of their fiery return to form.
All images: Josh Templeman
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