Biography
Azigza first came to the attention
of the prog world with their performance at the 5th annual International
Progressive Music Festival (aka ProgFest '99). Their short set
in the lobby turned many heads, and had people anxiously awaiting
the release of their album. The original lineup of the band
formed by Kevin Evans and Aryeh Frankfurter also featured second
violinist Phil Hyun, who left in 1997 to give more time to his
family and business. After recording two demo EPs, the band
released Azigza in 2000 to wide acclaim. With the addition
of Rasaki Aladokun and Roland Robles in early 2001, the band
played Baja Prog and wowed the audience there as well. Phil
Hyun would re-join the group as a guest for the band's amazing
ProgDay performance in September of 2001 and their own Progressive
Projections festival in October. In another of many large scale
live performances, the band opened the festivities of November's
ProgWest, where they were the favorite of many a satisfied audience
member. Hopefully we will see another recording from this great
band soon.
- Mike Prete [December 2001]
Azigza
(2000)
In what is easily
the most successful fusion of western rock music and eastern
world music, Azigza's debut is an outstanding presentation of
truly progressive music. Combining Middle Eastern, Arabic, Indian,
African, as well as hints of Celtic and Native American influences
with traditional rock, this synthesis is something that needs
to be experienced first hand. Cyoakha Grace's powerful vocals
soar over a mad percussion ensemble using all sorts of hand
percussion as well as traditional kit drums. The guitar and
bass work keep the rock element present, while the assorted
strings add a symphonic flavor.
Nowhere do all
these elements come to fruition better than on "Touch Moon Window".
Building up to intense crescendos followed by the peaceful release
of soft vocals backed by minimal percussion, the music mirrors
the lyrical imagery of waves crashing upon the shoreline. The
delicate coda once again leads back to the intense chorus, and
then seamlessly segues into the instrumental "Ratzinitza". Here
the Celtic influences meld with the Arabic into another dazzling
combination. The dreamy "Petra" even contains a guest appearance
by Daevid Allen on Gliss Guitar; just another wonderful element
in an incredibly strong debut.
- Mike Prete [December 2001]
