Search - Amina Figarova :: Firewind

Swinging Sounds From The Netherlands

J. Rich | 12/01/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Firewind" assembles, in my honest opinion, one of the best jazz groups in Europe right now. Pianist Amina Figarova, who began her career as a classical pianist, but turned to jazz not soon after. I think of this group as the European equivalent to Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Figarova composes all the music and this music could very well be jazz standards one day.



If you think European jazz is all tied into the ECM sound, then think again, Figarova swings with the best of them.



The Amina Figarova Septet are:



Amina Figarova - piano

Carolyn Breuer - alto saxophone

Kurt Van Herck - tenor saxophone

Jarmo Hoogendijk - trumpet, flugelhorn

Bart Platteau - flute

Hein Van De Geyn - bass

Hans Eijkenaar - drums



Special guest on "Waltz For M" - Matern Otten - guitar"

Firewind

Thomas McGuire | Oakland, CA USA | 04/25/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Very strong song writing and world class musicanship! My town has an excellent jazz house but we rarely hear European musicians. Luckily, Figarova's band has played here several times so I've heard the record and witnessed the band's live chemistry. The music is a pleasure for die-hard jazz fans or those testing the waters for the first time."Firewind" includes mostly original tunes. I usually cringe in anticipation of new compositions, but Figarova's stand up very well against the two standards on the record. "Waltz for M" and the title song are contemplative pieces; "Ev'rytime We Say Goodbye" and "Canal Street Blues" swing hard. Maybe you've heard "In Walked Bud" a hundred times. Listen to van de Geyn's bass solo.This band is definitely ready for prime time."