Tess Hirst

Since releasing her joint LP 'These Days' with long-time friend and collaborator Daniel Casimir on the jazz re:freshed imprint in 2019, Hirst has been working on her first solo album scheduled for release in early-2024. Funded by PRS Foundation's Women Make Music and the MOBO Help Musicians Fund, Hirst's new music is set to be a jazz re:freshed family affair. 'Magic' features Richard Spaven on drums, Sarah Tandy on piano and Tomorrow's Warriors StringTing. It is produced and arranged by Casimir who also plays electric, upright and synth bass on the recording.

A celebration of inspiring stories of the women around her, 'Magic' pays homage to their robust capacity to rise to any challenge, including motherhood, a journey which Hirst embarked upon herself, making the track all the more poignant. As Hirst shares: "Since having my own child in between writing and releasing this record, I've realised motherhood itself isn't magic, rather there is magic in being a mother. Performing 'Magic' now brings a deeper level of understanding for me. When you give birth to a child you too are reborn." Hirst urges listeners to invoke their own sense of magic, underpinned by the notoriously underground UK musical heritage ofDrum'n'Bass, Spaven fully in his element, piercing through the pensive string melodies and euphoric harmonies overarching Hirst's ethereal tone.

Hirst and award-winning bassist Casimir released their debut album 'These Days' in 2019, described as'a masterpiece' by The Wicked SoundandCLASH as 'deft and soulful'andsupported by Jazzwise and Jazz FM. In 2022, Hirst appeared in the AppletonEstate Jamaica Jazz Sessions, recorded a live session at Abbey Road Studios and produced the jazz re:freshed OuternationalShowcase at SXSW, adding a string of successful podcasts to her bow for Afropop and Manchester Jazz Festival. Earlier this year, Tess shared the first glimpse of her new material at Brick Lane Jazz Festival.