Amina Figarova, Matsiko World Orphan Choir – Suite For Africa (2024) [Official Digital Download 24bit/96kHz]

Amina Figarova, Matsiko World Orphan Choir – Suite For Africa (2024)
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 45:56 minutes | 984 MB | Genre: Jazz
Studio Masters, Official Digital Download | Front Cover | © AMFI RECORDS

This is the 18th album offered by Amina Figarova, and if you find influences from Eastern countries mixed with African children’s choirs as well as certain tonalities in which this choir sings, it’s simply due to the origins of this great musician, as she is native to Baku, Azerbaijan. The birth of Suite for Africa was motivated by Figarova’s visits to the annual Joy of Jazz festival in Johannesburg, South Africa. She discovered that the young musicians she met during master classes at the event were as talented as those elsewhere in the world but faced a shortage of instruments and opportunities to develop their talents. As she recalls, ‘I left thinking, ‘What can I do? How can I help?’ I decided to write a piece for a children’s choir, and perhaps they could become ambassadors for other children.’

Obviously, Figarova’s classical culture overlaps with her love of jazz; in the first movement, one can distinguish the children singing ‘Africa is my homeland,’ setting the tone since this entire album pays homage to Africa in the broadest sense. Compositions, whether through flute or rhythms, mark the pace of this African essence. The voices of the choir are deeply moving, imbued with a jubilant spirit and bold optimism. The ensemble joined Figarova’s sextet for a performance sponsored by Jazzmobile at the Harlem Interchurch Center last summer, and Figarova recalls the striking effect that the choir, dressed in bright colors, had on the audience. ‘They sing from the depths of their hearts, and it translates to the audience in volumes,’ says the pianist. ‘With the extraordinary energy emanating from them, it seems like they are pouring love as they sing. I have never seen a concert hall so emotionally involved. Afterwards, we found the crowd waiting for us, asking how they could help these children. It was the most emotionally charged concert I have ever given in my life.’

Tracklist:
1-01. Amina Figarova – Dancing Clouds (06:13)
1-02. Amina Figarova – Suite For Africa Part 1 (Spirit Africa, Spirit Liberia) (07:03)
1-03. Amina Figarova – Suite For Africa Part 2 (Fifteen As one) (03:15)
1-04. Amina Figarova – Suite For Africa Part 3 (Forgotten children) (05:14)
1-05. Amina Figarova – Faith is Her Name (06:04)
1-06. Amina Figarova – Worldwide (05:00)
1-07. Amina Figarova – Rain River (07:30)
1-08. Amina Figarova – Paper Kites (05:33)

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