Released via Candid Records, Milena Casado’s Reflection of Another Self is a striking debut that blends jazz tradition with experimental textures to explore themes of identity, trauma, and self-discovery. Co-produced with Terri Lyne Carrington and Morgan Guerin, the album features a stellar lineup that includes Brandee Younger, Nicole Mitchell, Kris Davis, and Meshell Ndegeocello.

The opening track, “THIS IS MY HAIR (!),” sets the tone with a candid conversation between Casado and Esperanza Spalding about societal expectations, leading into a fusion of electronic textures and organic performances. Another standout, “SELF LOVE,” features Casado’s vocals and trumpet alongside contributions from Guerin, Mike King, Ndegeocello, and Jongkuk Kim. The piece culminates in a meditative piece that encapsulates the album’s journey toward acceptance and understanding.

Other standouts include ‘Resilience’,  a bold track that highlights Casado’s prowess in production, weaving together vocal loops, spoken word, and her emotively lyrical trumpet. ‘Lidia y Los Libros’, is another piece stunning piece featuring harpist Brandee Younger and flutist Nicole Mitchell, that pays tribute to Casado’s mother and her literary passion.

Throughout the album, Casado weaves personal narratives with sampled conversations and virtuosic improvisation, drawing inspiration from Miles Davis’s classic quintet while pushing into new sonic territory.

Instead of fitting her music into a tidy, labeled box, Casado embraces the messiness of self-discovery.

“When I began this album, I had all these expectations: It’s my first album; It needs to express exactly who I am” she says. “But now I see that it’s really just the starting point of a long exploration.”

Reflection of Another Self marks the emergence of a bold new voice in contemporary jazz, offering a deeply personal and innovative listening experience.