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Amina Figarova: Above the Clouds
ByAbove the Clouds continues with the post-bop sound established by Figarova on the earlier sextet recordings. Her piano touch is light and fluid, in the mode of Herbie Hancock; but her "second instrument" approach is reminiscenton a smaller scaleof what Maria Schneider has done on Sky Blue (ArtistShare, 2007) and Concert in the Garden (ArtistShare, 2004)using her band to tell her stories, creating venues for top-level soloing.
The somewhat unusual use of flute in the front linealongside trumpet and tenor saxlightens the harmonies, giving them an aspect of floating above often swinging, sometimes world-music rhythms.
The palette broadens on two of Figarova's tunes"Sailing Through The Icy Waters" and "River of Mountains"with the addition of trombone and alto sax, enriching the ensemble the sound, and pointing toward her next project, an evocation of Henry Hudson's North American voyage of discovery four hundred years ago.
A first rate jazz pianist, Amina Figarovawith September Suite, Come Escape With Me and now the excellent Above the Cloudsis staking out her ground as a top level composer/arranger.
Track Listing
"A" Dance; Ernie's Song; Above the Clouds; Sharp Corners; Bedtime Story; Nico's Dream; Summer Rain; Sailing Through The Icy Waters; River of Mountains; Blue Wonder; Chicago Split; Reminising.
Personnel
Amina Figarova
pianoAmina Figarova: piano; Bart Platteau: B flat-flute, Native American flute; Ernie Hammes: trumpet, flugelhorn (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 9, 10, 12); Nico Schepers: trumpet, flugelhorn (4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11); Kurt van Herck: tenor and soprano saxophones; Jeroen Vierdag: bass; Chris "Buckshot" Strik: drums; Tineke Postma: alto saxophone (8, 9); Louk Boudesein: trombone (8, 9).
Album information
Title: Above the Clouds | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Munich Records