“Dance of Fire” Album Review: Jazz Fusion from Azerbaijan

© 2012 by Theocharis Vagelis

Aziza Mustafa Zadeh, the Azerbaijani singer, pianist and composer stunned the world in 1995 with her second American record “Dance of Fire”. The Princess of Jazz composes and plays a fusion of jazz and Mugam (traditional improvisation Azerbaijani music).

Aziza is supported in “Dance of Fire” by super star musicians. Aziza collaborates with Al DiMeola (acoustic guitar), Kai Eckhardt de Camargo (5-string bass), Bill Evans (saxophones; soprano and tenor), Stanley Clarke (electric and acoustic bass) and Omar Hakim (drums and percussion). Especially, Al DiMeola and Omar Hakim (mostly associated with Weather Report) are at their absolute best!

The compositions are strongly based upon Mugam modes, presenting a dramatic improvisation unfolding and increasing intensity.

The album has sold over 2.000.000 copies worldwide.

It is magical!

Favorite Tracks: 2,3 and 11

Grading: 5/5

Track List

1. Boomerang
2. Dance of Fire
3. Sheherezadeh
4. Aspiration
5. Bana Bana Gel (Bad Girl)
6. Shadow
7. Carnival
8. Passion
9. Spanish Picture
10. To Be Continued
11. Father

Trivia

• At the age of 18 she won 3rd place at the Thelonious Monk piano competition.
• Her second album "Always", won her a "Phono Academy Prize" and an "Echo Prize"
• From 1999 to 2002 she was married to an Englishman, Paul Thomas.
• The name of her fifth album, "Jazziza", is her own nickname.
• Aziza has an older half-sister, Lala, who is also a pianist.