Figarova, Amina
Munich Records, 2024, CD
Instrument: Piano
Issue: 30.3
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 4
Sound: 3
Score: 76
O’s Notes: New York-based jazz pianist and composer Amina Figarova aligns her band with The Matsiko World Orphan Choir, 24 orphaned and at-risk children from Liberia, on Suite For Africa, her latest release. The choir is featured on a three-part “Suite For Africa”. The band includes fine work by flautist Bart Platteau, with Alex Pope Norris (t, flugelhorn), Wayne Escoffery (t-sax), bassist Yasushi Nakamura, and drummer Rudy Royston. The combined group provides soothing music and a sense of hope in a challenging world. The instrumentals of note are “Dancing Clouds”, “Faith Is Her Name”, and “Rain River” featuring Pope Norris.
Publicist: Lydia Liebman Promotions