Sure, you could call it a supergroup, but AZIZA is much more than that. The quartet brings together four of the most insightful and influential voices in modern jazz to form a true band, one with a wholly distinct and intriguing sound of its own. Bassist DAVE HOLLAND, saxophonist CHRIS POTTER, guitarist LIONEL LOUEKE, and drummer ERIC HARLAND are all renowned bandleaders in their own right, and together offer a staggering breadth of experience and depth of inspiration.
For the jazz aficionado, those four names alone will suffice to compel a listen to the band's self-titled debut, due out October 14, 2016, on Holland's Dare2 Records imprint, while the spectrum of emotion and diversity of approach in the music will spur obsessive repeats.
Holland is a universally respected, Grammy-winning 2017 NEA Jazz Master inductee whose storied career includes work with Miles Davis, Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, Gary Burton, and John McLaughlin, as well as his own groups from CIRCLE to PRISM.
Chris Potter's ceaseless originality has established him as one of the leading saxophonists of the last couple of decades, whether leading his electric group Underground or playing with artists like Pat Metheny, Dave Douglas, or Paul Motian.
Lionel Loueke has forged a unique bridge between the musical tradition of his native Benin and a highly individual take on contemporary jazz guitar, creating an utterly alluring and exceptional blend that has attracted admirers from Terence Blanchard to Joe Lovano to Herbie Hancock.
Eric Harland's deeply felt and dynamically sophisticated approach to the kit has made him one of the most in-demand drummers of his generation, leading to fruitful partnerships with Charles Lloyd and Kurt Rosenwinkel as well as his own group VOYAGER and the collective quartet James Farm with Joshua Redman, Aaron Parks, and Matt Penman.
