Description
**Aziza Mustafa Zadeh’s “Dance of Fire”**
I am truly delighted to share my thoughts on the enchanting album, “Dance of Fire,” by the incredibly talented Aziza Mustafa Zadeh. This remarkable artist captivates us with her piano and vocal performances, brilliantly accompanied by an exceptional ensemble comprising the legendary Al Di Meola on guitar, the virtuosic Bill Evans on saxophone, the distinguished Stanley Clarke on bass, and the dynamic Omar Hakim on drums. The album is a well-crafted collection that, while featuring somewhat complex music, ultimately leaves a lasting impression.
Zadeh’s classical training informs her compositions, making it quite fitting that Al Di Meola joins her on this musical journey, given his legendary technique and precision. Stanley Clarke’s bass beautifully complements Zadeh’s vision, resulting in an extraordinary listening experience. I wholeheartedly agree; the musicianship here is superb, characterized by a remarkable ease and fundamental craftsmanship that is truly admirable.
The opening track, “Bana Bana Gel,” evokes nostalgic memories of Chick Corea’s jazz-rock ensemble, Return to Forever. I am particularly drawn to the oriental nuances in her vocal delivery, and I find Bill Evans’s saxophone solo to be nothing short of mesmerizing, augmented by the electrifying drum patterns courtesy of Omar Hakim.
Following this is the evocative piece “Shadow.” While it possesses an emotional depth, it transcends into a nearly celestial and soulful realm. The sixth track, titled “Carnival,” also echoes the spirited essence of Return to Forever and serves to showcase Zadeh’s dedication to her craft, exemplified by her beautifully executed piano solo.
The ninth composition bursts forth with incredible energy, showcasing the ensemble’s talent and synergy brilliantly. However, I must note a moment in the “To Be Continued” theme, where a bit of uncertainty emerges until the solo takes off impressively. The final composition conveys a sentimental mood, rounding out an album that demands attention, yet remains one that you may not revisit frequently. When the moment is right, however, it promises an enriching reward for the listener.
Reflecting on my own journey, I must confess that in my youth, I never anticipated becoming a composer or pianist, as my interests spanned a diverse array of art forms, including music, painting, dance, figure skating, and ballet. In those early years, my enthusiasm for playing the piano was half-hearted, to say the least. My secondary music school teacher frequently urged me with, “You must practice! You need to practice!” In my youthful stubbornness, I often replied, “I will only play when I feel inspired.” I have always cherished my freedom and abhorred the notion of being compelled to follow strict directives.
While my sense of responsibility has matured over the past decade, my love for spontaneity remains unwavering. Some may expect rigorous practice from me, but I often surprise them by expressing that I do not prioritize “practice” as some define it. Rather, I resonate with the essence of inspiration. I firmly believe that without the right muse, engaging with the piano can lead to less-than-fulfilling outcomes, and I prefer to avoid such experiences.
Indeed, we all have our shortcomings, yet it is our duty to strive to minimize them. Engagement in any endeavor should stem from genuine passion and love. This philosophy underpins my approach to music, and I hold steadfast to the belief that we must infuse love into everything we do. Ultimately, it is essential to savor every moment and embrace the joy in our pursuits!
Track Listing
- Boomerang
- Dance Of Fire
- Sheherezadeh
- Aspiration
- Bana Bana Gel (Bad Gal)
- Shadow
- Carnival
- Passion
- Spanish Picture
- To Be Continued
- Father
**Musicians** - Aziza Mustafa Zadeh: Grand Piano, Vocals - Al Di Meola: Acoustic Guitar - Bill Evans: Soprano and Tenor Saxophones - Stanley Clarke: Acoustic Bass, Electric Basses - Kai E. Karpeh De Camargo: 5-String Electric Bass - Omar Hakim: Drums
