It’s rare that you see the harp getting the respect it deserves, especially in the context of jazz. However, in the final months of 2022, Julie Campiche and her virtuosic quartet have shone a light on the beautiful instrument that sits at the heart of their album, You Matter. Their avant-garde sound is unique and enthralling experience, with Campiche’s background in a variety of genres being explored, developed and expanded in each and every track. The centrepiece of the album, ‘Aquarius’, is a ten-minute opus that drives and builds with intense urgency and incredibly melodic exploration of four perfectly played instruments. The message behind her music is just as important as the composition itself. “We can feel overwhelmed by everything that is happening in the world, especially the climate crisis in our lifetime and what it means for us all...” she says. “So we can lose the sense that our actions matter or have consequence. The idea is that we can re-connect with ourselves and the feeling of us having an impact in the world and that our actions are important and meaningful.” Give You Matter a spin ASAP. -Dan Peeke