Toronto-based bassist Rich Brown is set to release his highly anticipated solo album, NYAEBA, on Friday, September 26, 2025, via Whirlwind Recordings. Known for his work with jazz luminaries such as Steve Coleman, Rudresh Mahanthappa, and James ‘Blood’ Ulmer, Brown has long been recognized for his technical mastery, musical sensitivity, and adventurous spirit. With NYAEBA, he takes his artistry to a new level, turning the bass into a full spectrum of voices, textures, and narratives.
The album tells the story of an imagined griot, a storyteller traveling the world and returning home to share the music, wisdom, and experiences gathered along the way. Brown drew inspiration from the many extraordinary musicians he has supported as a bassist, as well as the richly multicultural music scene in his adopted hometown of Toronto. Each track is constructed with multiple layers of bass—no looping or sequencing—ensuring the music retains the intimacy and spontaneity of a live performance while exploring astonishing sonic possibilities.
The tracks on NYAEBA are as diverse as the world they evoke. Ukudlala, Zulu for “to play,” begins with a delicate, percussive kalimba-like melody before unfolding into lush harmonic textures. The Sum of Our Tears is a deeply personal meditation on isolation and depression that blossoms into a comforting, uplifting statement of human resilience. On Heart of a Lonely Woman, Brown produces vocalized tones reminiscent of the duduk, with a sly nod to Ornette Coleman, while Nyaeba conjures an entire bata drum ensemble and even the griot’s voice using only his instrument.
Other highlights include Sowetoiera, blending South African and Brazilian rhythmic influences, and Turiyasangitananda, an homage to Alice Coltrane. Her recorded voice opens the track, and the title, which translates to “The Transcendental Lord’s Highest Song of Bliss,” reflects Brown’s personal gratitude for the meditative practices that inform his music.
With its emphasis on melody, texture, and storytelling, NYAEBA is poised to become an essential entry in the solo bass repertoire. It demonstrates what is possible when virtuosity and imagination converge, transforming the bass from a supporting instrument into a narrative and expressive force in its own right.
richbrown-whirlwind.bandcamp.com
Release Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
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