Serving as the debut release from pianist Milena Granci, the intrinsically alluring album title calls to mind a variety of self-contained themes that point to everything from emotional change to music exploration.
Arriving somewhere new has long been something of a raison d'être for Granci - the French-Italian artist, now based in London, has consistently navigated a course for herself that finds her embracing the unknown; a notion eloquently captured through the album's accompanying artwork.
Having studied Jazz Piano at Rome's Saint Louis College of Music before becoming a graduate of the esteemed Guildhall School of Music & Drama, Granci has long worn her inspirations of her sleeve - from her affections for varying musical styles including jazz, folk and classical, Granci also openly touts of her adoration for the music of composer Maria Schneider and pianist John Taylor.
Since moving to London in 2020, Granci has continued to nurture her desire for performance and collaboration and it's a testament to her abilities that her time in Rome saw her perform around the city, including at Casa del Jazz, but then go on to ingratiate herself to all new collaborators and audiences overseas. While there is outstanding work as a member of the Bea Asurmendi Quintet, Granci can also lay claim to serving as a member of the celebrated London Vocal Project, who recently achieved success alongside Dave Holland and Norma Winstone as they offered profound interpretations of Kenny Wheeler's final compositions for 'Vital Spark' (Edition Records).
A delightful series of recorded duets adorn Granci's Instagram page - which position her in exclusive recordings with Eliana Veinberga amongst others - and are demonstrative of the passion she gleams from being able to create and perform alongside like-minded artists. And while already able to boast an incredible array of ensembles and collectives as a part of her resume, Granci's assembled cast list for 'To Some Place New' finds the pianist and composer helming an inspired six-piece collective that includes vocalist Aitzi Cofre Real, saxophonist Harry Toulson, drummer Ollie Peszynski, bassist Ali Watson and James Pettinger on accordion.
The album's eight tracks present some sensational pieces from the rousing 'Different Road' to the spirited 'A Journey Home' and the nostalgia-riddled 'Lament'. Poignantly, there's more than just a hint of the Hero's Journey as part of the project's over-arching narrative: taking those courageous first steps towards a new adventure, battling the ensuing adversity and then either arriving at some place new or returning home as someone new.
Through a willingness to embrace uncertainty and transformation, Milena Granci is indicative of what it is to display courage in her music. As part of the project's efforts to transport itself and its listeners to some place new by the album's conclusion, we are afforded the opportunity to do so through an artist that honours reflection as much as the notion of persevering onwards. But where we end up is far from the end of the story, this album will serve as one of countless projects where Granci continually affords us the opportunity for one more adventure.
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