With her debut album Reflection of Another Self, Spanish trumpeter and composer Milena Casado delivers a fearless and emotionally charged introduction to the modern jazz landscape. Co-produced with drummer and activist Terri Lyne Carrington and multi-instrumentalist Morgan Guerin, the record seamlessly blends ethereal electronic textures with virtuosic improvisation to explore themes of identity, trauma, and transformation.
Casado’s music moves with intention. Drawing from the spirit of Miles Davis while expanding into new sonic territory, she crafts a deeply personal sound—fluid, expressive, and unapologetically honest. Through sampled conversations, textured soundscapes, and layered horns, Reflection of Another Self examines the tensions between vulnerability and empowerment, fear and resilience.
Born and raised in Spain, Casado’s experiences as a Black woman navigating predominantly white spaces have shaped her artistry. Music became her refuge, her language, and eventually her platform. She earned a scholarship to Berklee College of Music, where she studied with jazz legends like Carrington and Jack DeJohnette, later building a reputation on the New York jazz scene for her emotionally rich performances and compositional voice.
The album is a true collaborative effort. It features contributions from harpist Brandee Younger, flutist Nicole Mitchell, pianist Kris Davis, and bassist Meshell Ndegeocello, among others, while her core ensemble holds the emotional center of the project. Casado’s arrangements provide space for exploration, giving each musician room to express, respond, and elevate the material.
Highlights include the opening track “THIS IS MY HAIR (!),” a defiant and deeply personal meditation on cultural identity and beauty standards. “Lidia y Los Libros” pays homage to Casado’s mother and her love of literature. “O.C.T (Oda To The Crazy Times)” and “Circles” push rhythmic and harmonic boundaries, blending acoustic jazz with experimental electronic elements to capture moments of chaos, reflection, and clarity.
What makes Reflection of Another Self so compelling is its intimacy. Casado invites listeners into her inner world—not just through her horn, but through spoken words, samples, and layered storytelling. Each piece functions as a chapter in a narrative that’s both personal and universal.
With critical recognition from The New York Times and performances at major festivals and institutions already under her belt, Milena Casado is not just a promising new voice—she’s a vital force in the evolution of contemporary jazz. Reflection of Another Self is a bold and necessary debut from an artist poised to leave a lasting imprint.
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