Description
What a fascinating question! What could possibly be wrong with jazz? It is, without doubt, one of the most remarkable forms of art in existence. Yet, the world often presents challenges that can feel frustrating and unjust, leaving one burdened with heavy thoughts.
After the passing of my father, my mother selflessly dedicated herself entirely to my upbringing. I am profoundly grateful for her unwavering support and commitment. It is difficult to articulate the immense impact she has had on my life. I have complete confidence in her musical abilities; her extraordinary sense of rhythm and boundless creativity are inspiring.
She plays a pivotal role in my composition process, continuing a cherished tradition that began with my father. I fondly recall how he would invite her with a warm request, saying, “Eliza, please come. You’re my most trusted critic. Listen to this. What do you think? Which version resonates more—this one or that one?” Every musician benefits immensely from having someone they can rely on, both creatively and personally. I feel incredibly fortunate to have my mother in my life.
To date, I have produced four CDs and am currently immersed in the recording of a fifth. While I have a plethora of other compositions swirling in my mind, I haven’t yet transcribed every note. However, I keep them alive through performance and share them with audiences at my concerts. To be frank, I sometimes lack the patience to write everything down; the meticulous process can be time-consuming and quite challenging. When I perform, I embrace improvisation, and my compositions often diverge from traditional jazz forms.
So, what is the essence of my music? I envision my performances as musical meditations. My aspiration is for my music to inspire others to embrace a life devoid of conflict, war, jealousy, and hatred—elements that shadow the human experience. Life is fleeting and can be incredibly beautiful, so it baffles me why we’d engage in such destructive behaviors. I find no justification for these actions. My father often said that music has the power to save the world.
When I take the stage to share my jazz compositions, I often incorporate a technique known as scat singing. This extension of my expression adds another layer of intensity to my performances and has become a characteristic element of my work, even though I’m not aware of any Azeri traditions that embrace this style.
My foundation in classical music has undoubtedly proven invaluable, fostering my intellectual growth. This intellectual underpinning fuels the “brain” aspect of my artistry. However, it is equally essential for someone like me to allow the inner self—my heart and soul—to express itself spontaneously. Ultimately, my aim is to create music that resonates deeply with the human experience and encourages a more harmonious existence.
Aziza Mustafa Zadeh – Grand Piano, Vocals
John Patitucci – Acoustic Bass, 6-string Electric Bass
Dave Weckl – Drums
Track Listing
1. “Always” – 04:36
2. “Heartbeat” – 07:37
3. “Crying Earth” – 06:24
4. “A.J.D.” – 06:16
5. “Yandi Ganim Daha” – 07:29
6. “I Don’t Know” – 04:54
7. “Vagif” – 06:04
8. “Marriage Suite” – 05:47
9. “Insult” – 04:02
Enjoy the melodies!
