Nadine Axisa, a renowned Maltese jazz singer, stepped into new creative territory with the release of her second album Il-Ħoss tal-Għabex (The Sound of Twilight), launched in late 2019. This album marks a bold departure from her earlier work, embracing a contemporary jazz style infused with electronic elements while re-imagining Maltese classics from the 1970s and 1980s. By blending tradition with cutting-edge jazz experimentation, Il-Ħoss tal-Għabex has solidified its place as a significant contribution to Malta’s evolving jazz scene.
Since the release of her debut album Velvet in 2014, which garnered high praise in jazz circles, Nadine Axisa has been known for her smooth vocals and affinity for easy-listening jazz. However, her sophomore project demonstrates a willingness to explore new sonic landscapes. Collaborating with local jazz musician and arranger Joe Debono, and producer David Vella of Temple Studios, Nadine began this experimental journey in 2018. The album features fresh arrangements of 11 Maltese songs, transforming their familiar melodies into vehicles for modern jazz exploration.
The title Il-Ħoss tal-Għabex is emblematic of the album’s atmosphere—a delicate balance between the nostalgic and the avant-garde. Nadine’s vocal style in this project is notably ethereal, diverging from the traditional jazz phrasing and scat singing of her debut, and instead, evoking a dreamlike quality akin to Astrud Gilberto’s bossa nova sound. This shift in vocal style is complemented by the rich interplay of traditional jazz instruments like piano, bass, and drums, layered with electronic effects that push the boundaries of the genre.
One of the album's standout tracks is a reworking of Malta’s 1972 Eurovision entry, L-Imħabba, where the playful piano improvisations create a new narrative for this classic tune. Another notable reinterpretation is Fit-Tieġ Tan-Neputija, originally popularised by Toni Camilleri in the 1970s. Nadine’s version introduces bubbly bass lines and electronic textures, creating a unique fusion of retro and modern soundscapes. The bluesy opening of this song, punctuated by electronic effects, adds a contemporary twist to its classic roots. Il-Festa, composed by Charles Camilleri and Joe Friggieri, also shines with its upbeat, funky rhythms, offering a vibrant synthesis of programmed percussion and subtle synth backgrounds.
The album does not shy away from emotional depth either. The traditional Maltese Lament, featuring poet Frans Baldacchino’s evocative lyrics, stands out for its delicate programming and shifting tempos, merging the poignancy of the original with the sonic possibilities of contemporary jazz. Iż-Zmien Għaddej, a classic by The Greenfields, a group celebrated for their contribution to Maltese music, is another track that showcases the innovative spirit of Il-Ħoss tal-Għabex.
Despite the risk of the electronic elements overpowering the more traditional instruments and vocals in a few instances, the album succeeds in its aim to create a fresh and forward-thinking contribution to the local jazz scene. This project represents a conversation between past and present, between the structured melodies of Maltese songs and the fluid, improvisational nature of jazz. It offers a glimpse of where contemporary Maltese jazz might be heading—embracing the electronic while remaining deeply rooted in its melodic traditions.
Axisa’s work on Il-Ħoss tal-Għabex is not only a musical exploration but also a celebration of the Maltese language and its poetic power. As seen in tracks like Lulju Lewn in-Naħal fis-Sakra (July the Color of Bees in Drunkenness), a poem by Adrian Grima set to music by Joe Debono, the album highlights how the Maltese language can be moulded and reshaped through music, breathing new life into familiar words and narratives.
Upon its release, the album received critical acclaim, and even took home the Best Album in Maltese award at the Malta Music Awards. The response from both jazz enthusiasts and lovers of Maltese music has been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the album's innovation and respect for local traditions.
In sum, Il-Ħoss tal-Għabex is a testament to the richness of Maltese musical heritage, reimagined through the lens of contemporary jazz. It invites listeners to rethink what they know about Maltese music, offering a sound that is both familiar and entirely new. Nadine Axisa’s project stands as a vital contribution to Malta’s cultural landscape, pushing the boundaries of genre while maintaining a deep respect for the past.
References:
Jazz Journal (2020)
Adrian Grima (2019)
Newsbook (2019)
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