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Azerbaijani-born, New York-based pianist and composer Amina Figarova, “among the most important composers to come into jazz in the new millennium” (JazzTimes), was last heard at the 2024 New Mexico Jazz Festival with her Sextet, and she returns to the Outpost stage on the heels of her latest project and 18th album, Suite for Africa, featuring the Matsiko World Orphan Choir from Libera. In 2018, Figarova composed a suite for a South African children’s choir and her sextet, which was performed at the “Joy of Jazz” Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa with a student choir from Soweto. Her hope was to record the piece with the choir, but due to COVID travel restrictions, it did not happen. However, fate intervened when she and her husband, flutist Bart Platteau, found themselves on the same flight from Europe to NYC with the Matsiko World Orphan Choir from Liberia. After a conversation with the choir director, they decided to perform and record the music that was originally intended for South Africa. The Matsiko World Orphan Choir is composed of 24 orphaned and at-risk children from Liberia, West Africa. In 2024, the Suite was performed at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, Dizzy’s – Jazz at Lincoln Center NYC, Yale University and many other venues. The piece became the core of her new album, which also features five original compositions that incorporate African rhythms and the folk music traditions of Azerbaijan. “A breathtaking new album that represents her most dazzling and ambitious work to date, the music overflows with the exuberant spirit of the young choir, the vibrant and dynamic interaction of her superb sextet, and the deft tapestry of global traditions that she so elegantly melds in these stunning compositions.” (Thierry De Clemensat, Paris Move). Amina Figarova’s Sextet is renowned for their remarkable chemistry and ability to bring her detailed arrangements to life and features Amina Figarova, piano; Bart Platteau, flutes; Ryan Ancheta, trumpet; Brad Walker, tenor sax; Amina Scott, bass; Rudy Royston, drums. The 17 member Matsiko Choir of Liberia will also feature Faith Tutu and Mallay Blessing on vocals.
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210 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM, United States, New Mexico 87106
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