Search - Amina Figarova :: Come Escape with Me

The Best Jazz You Haven't Heard Yet

J. E. Chapman | St. Louis, Mo USA | 05/14/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got hip to Amina Figarova from Jazztimes. I think it was Gary Giddens (I might be wrong, I do not have the article in front of me) who mentioned her and compared her music to that of Maria Schneider, who is just fantastic if you are not aware of her either. Amina's music has a great modern sound without sacrificing melody, structure or tonality. I have purchased some of her other titles as well (Firewind, September Suite and Night Train - and I would recommend them in that order). She gets a much larger sound out of her ensemble that I expected. I am pleased by al the soloist and have gained a whole new respect and interest in flute-work in jazz. I have to be honest, usually I cringe (unless it's james Moody or Frank Wess) when I see flute in a small group but I very much enjoy Bart Platteau's playing. I would say the most attractive quality of Figarova's music and her ensemble is the sensative musicality. I find her touch on the piano as sensative and beautiful as Bill Evans. You can hear that she has put great time and care into her compositions and she has crafted very fine jazz. Figarova's music is some of the best I have heard in a long time. I have only been this excited about a CD/artist once in past few years and that was by Ben Allison. If you are seeking modern jazz that has great playing and strong compositions I fully recommend Amina Figarova."