Jasmine Myra in Solingen, Germany

Key Takeaways

• 165 attendees heard Myra’s sax at Solingen’s Theater & Konzerthaus.
• Setlist spanned three albums, highlighting 2026 release *Where Light Settles*.
• Band: Jasper Green (piano), Ben Haskins (guitar), Sam Quintana (bass), George Hall (drums).
• Performance blended folk motifs, Shabaka Hutchings influence, and restrained improvisation.

Pulse Analysis

Solingen, a city of roughly 165,000 in North‑West Germany, is internationally known for its centuries‑old blade‑making industry. In recent years the municipality has leveraged its historic architecture to attract cultural tourism, and the annual Walder Theatertage festival exemplifies that shift. The festival’s flagship venue, the Theater & Konzerthaus, offers a sun‑lit atrium and an intimate chamber hall that resemble a modern forest chapel, providing an acoustic setting ideal for nuanced performances. By programming contemporary jazz alongside classical and theatrical works, the city signals a strategic diversification of its cultural offering, aiming to draw both locals and visitors seeking sophisticated arts experiences.

British alto saxophonist Jasmine Myra, celebrated for her lyrical phrasing and compositional restraint, headlined the May 8 concert. Accompanied by pianist Jasper Green, guitarist Ben Haskins, bassist Sam Quintana and drummer George Hall, she delivered a set drawn from three of her recordings, notably the 2026 Gondwana Records album *Where Light Settles*. The repertoire blended folk‑derived melodies, subtle Shabaka Hutchings‑style tonal explorations, and occasional Rollins‑inspired rhythmic bursts. Myra’s performance emphasized collective storytelling over individual virtuosity, allowing each instrument to pass melodic ideas across the stage, creating a seamless, organic soundscape that resonated with the venue’s natural light.

The concert illustrates a broader trend of European audiences embracing experimental jazz that prioritizes mood and texture over conventional soloing. Myra’s ability to translate her UK‑based improvisational language into a setting steeped in industrial heritage demonstrates the genre’s adaptability and cross‑cultural appeal. Positive reviews suggest that such intimate, concept‑driven shows can deepen listener engagement and expand market opportunities for artists touring outside traditional jazz capitals. As Solingen continues to position itself as a cultural waypoint, musicians like Myra are likely to find fertile ground for collaborations that blend regional identity with global jazz narratives.