Search - Aza :: Marikan

IC B. (icberry)
Reviewed on 3/30/2017...

"AZA unites traditional Tamazight (Berber) music, indigenous to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, with the global influences of its diverse members. Evocative of Saharan-African blues, yet with an original style that truly defies categorization, AZA’s stirring performances feature deep, danceable rhythms, intricate string melodies, and soaring, soulful vocals. Visually dynamic and engaging performers, AZA has been inspiring international audiences for more than 15 years.

Founding members Fattah Abbou and Mohamed Aoualou are Berbers native to the High Atlas mountain region of Morocco, where they played and studied music for over twenty-five years, and are recognized as master musicians. They formed the sextet AZA in Santa Cruz, California, after moving to the United States eight years ago. The unique exchange between the High Atlas and Californian musicians has proved potent; AZA has produced two albums of original compositions, and performed at music festivals, clubs, and universities around the United States and abroad. In 2006, AZA was invited on its first of three annual summer tours to Morocco, to perform at music festivals throughout the country."

"Fattah and Mohamed, the cofounders of AZA, are both multi-instrumentalists, vocalists and songwriters inspired by the many styles of North African music. Together, they had the idea of bringing a new, earthy acoustic sound to the world."

Marikan is AZA’s debut album -- a stirring journey through the music of the Berber culture, infused with a modern western influence. Hypnotizing and energizing.

Learn more at http://azamusic.com