The music of Amina Figarova has a broad, orchestral sound, even when she composes for a small ensemble like her sextet. The Azerbaijani was trained as a concert pianist, only to be swept up into jazz at the Rotterdam conservatory. From then on she gained experience as a band leader. Her impressionistic music has earned great acclaim in the United States. In her current band she plays with American stars such as Wayne Escoffery and Rudy Royston.
For her recent album Suite for Africa, Amina Figarova took inspiration from a chance encounter. The foundation was laid in South Africa, where she met many young musicians at masterclasses. But the composition really blossomed after a flight on which she got to know the Matsiko World Orphan Choir, an ensemble of orphans from war-ravaged Liberia. The choir is also featured on the album.
‘What I love most about the album, in addition to its spirit, is the breezy intensity of Amina’s piano, the robust jazz solos and the lavish use of African folk rhythms and horn riffs throughout. The result is earthy, moody and uplifting with a sound that celebrates art and the best of humanity. Amina is an extraordinary jazz pianist and composer-arranger, and Suite for Africa is a must-own and Grammy-worthy’ (Marc Myers, JazzWax).
Bart Platteau flutes, Wayne Escoffery tenor sax, Freddie Hendrix trumpet, Amina Figarova piano, Jasen Weaver bass, Rudy Royston drums