Aziza (album)

Aziza is a studio album by English jazz bassist Dave Holland together with saxophonist Chris Potter, guitarist Lionel Loueke, and drummer Eric Harland.[10] The album was released on October 14, 2016 via Holland's own Dare2 Records label.[11]

Aziza
Studio album by
Dave Holland
ReleasedOctober 14, 2016
RecordedSeptember 7–8, 2015
StudioSear Sound, NYC
GenreJazz
Length1:08:29
LabelDare2 Records
ProducerDave Holland
Dave Holland chronology
The Art of Conversation
(2014)		 Aziza
(2016)		 Uncharted Territories
(2018)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
All About Jazz[1]
The Australian[2]
The Buffalo News[3]
The Guardian[4]
The Irish Times[5]
Jazzwise[6]
PopMatters6/10[7]
Tom HullA–[8]
Winnipeg Free Press[9]

Background

Dave Holland explained that the name Aziza has come from one of their songs, “Aziza Dance,” written by Lionel Loueke. In Loueke's birthplace of Benin, Aziza means a supernatural race of forest dwellers giving practical and spiritual advice.[12] The album features eight original compositions—two from each band member.[13]

Reception

Cormak Larkin of The Irish Times noted, "...there’s no doubting who is the elder statesman here, nor whose spirit is guiding proceedings. Dave Holland has been taking music in new and interesting directions since the late 1960s. And though each member of Aziza contributes a couple of tunes and brings their own unique character to the mix, most audible in this new group’s taut, funky, expansive sound are echoes of former Holland projects such as his Extensions quartet, and even the distant rumble of the great Gateway Trio".[5] Peter Hum writing for Ottawa Citizen commented, "As much as I’ve liked the previous Holland-centred supergroups, the Aziza project stands out, thanks to Loueke’s special creativity, sonic breadth and his keenness to engage with everyone else in the band. Let’s hope this album isn’t simply a one-off."[14] Will Layman of PopMatters stated, "In the balance between cliche and astonishment, Aziza overwhelmingly stays on the correct side of the law. Supergroup pitfalls are avoided, mostly, but fun is definitely had. You can imagine the band smiling as they left the studio. Indeed, these guys like playing together."[7]

John McBeath of The Australian wrote, "This quartet is comprised of four stellar US musicians, all bandleaders, and each at the very top of their abilities, working beautifully together....These four names will probably be sufficient to invite a listening for jazz fans where the spectrum of emotion and diversity of approach is bound to secure interest."[2] Ron Netsky in his review for City Newspaper wrote, "Aziza" is a world of discovery from start to finish."[15] Jeff Simon of The Buffalo News wrote, "Here's a jazz all-star band to get almost anyone's attention -- and keep it for long periods too. Unfortunately, what that doesn't mean is that every selection on the record is worthy of the spectacular talent that went into it."[3]

Track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Aziza Dance"Lionel Loueke9:14
2."Summer 15"Chris Potter9:42
3."Walkin' the Walk"Dave Holland8:38
4."Aquila"Eric Harland6:55
5."Blue Sufi"Chris Potter13:35
6."Finding the Light"Dave Holland7:00
7."Friends"Eric Harland6:07
8."Sleepless Nights"Lionel Loueke7:21
Total length:1:08:29

Personnel

Band

  • Chris Potter – tenor & soprano saxophone
  • Lionel Loueke – guitar & vocals
  • Dave Holland – bass, producer
  • Eric Harland – drums

Production

  • Louise Holland – executive producer
  • James Farber – engineer
  • Owen Mulholland – engineer
  • Greg Calbi – mastering
  • Scott Fallone – mastering
  • Govert Driessen – photography
  • Ulli Gruber – photography
  • Susan Archie – art direction, design
  • Rafael Gonzalez – artwork

References
  1. Bilawsky, Dan (October 19, 2016). "Aziza: Aziza". All About Jazz. allaboutjazz.com. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  2. McBeath, John (20 October 2016). "Reviewed: Moussa Diakite; Conway & Zygier; Aziza; Tkay Maidza; Kieran". The Australian. theaustralian.com. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  3. Simon, Jeff (5 November 2016). "'Aziza' Jazz All-Stars will get your attention". The Buffalo News. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  4. Fordham, John (13 October 2016). "Holland/Potter/Loueke/Harland: Aziza CD review – ace new jazz quartet with global influences". theguardian.com. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  5. Larkin, Cormac (20 October 2016). "Aziza album review: Dave Holland, god of inspiration". The Irish Times. irishtimes.com. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  6. Harris, Selwyn (November 2016). "Review Search". Jazzwise. Retrieved 28 October 2020.
  7. Layman, Will (9 December 2016). "Aziza: Aziza". PopMatters. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  8. "Tom Hull: Grade List: Dave Holland". Tom Hull. Retrieved 9 July 2020.
  9. Black, Keith (12 October 2016). "New music: Reviews of this week's CD releases". Winnipeg Free Press. winnipegfreepress.com. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  10. "Aziza – Aziza". Discogs. discogs.com. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  11. "Aziza featuring Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland + Elliot Galvin – Sold Out". efglondonjazzfestival.org. 15 November 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  12. Spaz Schnee, Stephen (September 29, 2016). "Aziza: An Exclusive Q&A with Jazz legend Dave Holland!". discussionsmagazine.com. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  13. Hum, Peter (October 17, 2016). "Aziza CD reviewed". Ottawa Citizen. ottawacitizen.com. Retrieved 18 November 2016.
  14. Hum, Peter (17 October 2016). "AZIZA CD reviewed | Ottawa Citizen". Ottawa Citizen. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
  15. Netsky, Ron. "Album review: 'Aziza'". City Newspaper. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
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