If you’ve not heard of the name Az Samad, then it’s about time you did. The talented Malaysian guitarist-composer is set to perform an extended solo guitar concert at No Black Tie next week, something he hasn’t done since June last year. Formerly based in Berkeley, California, Az is now back in Kuala Lumpur.
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[pullquote align=”left”]”Az squeezes out a whole new sonic universe for the acoustic guitar.” Pete Teo[/pullquote] Az will be performing two sets of solo guitar from material he wrote back in 2001 until present day. Expect some rarities never before performed. Known for his poetic pieces, finger-picking and impressive fret-work, Az will also play on solo steel string guitar and nylon string guitar (perhaps even some solo electric!).
Az cites Nirvana, Michael Hedges and Dave Matthews Band as major influences, and the late Eric Roche whom he met in UK.
Az has an impressive performance history aside from his accolades and critical acclaim. No stranger to the local music scene, he was nominated for Best Solo Performance (Music) in the first ever Cameronian Arts Award in 2003, a prestigious event for the arts community in Malaysia. He has also performed alongside Shelley Leong and Jazz Odyssey at various jazz and music festivals.
A little background of Az from his website:
Guitarist-Composer Az Samad has performed in the United States, Europe and Asia. A versatile musician who has appeared on sixteen CDs (seven of which are his solo releases), Az has worked with Grammy winners Flaco Jiménez and Max Baca, drummer Bernie Dresel (Brian Setzer Orchestra), singer-songwriters Tara Linda and Reza Salleh, guitarists John Stowell, Stuart Ryan, and Teja Gerken; world music ensemble Bogofusion; electronic jazz-funk group Planet Loop; Cumbia-Dub band Candelaria; and string jazz ensemble JazzMine. He has also performed as part of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra in sold-out performances and worked with conductors Richard Kaufman (USA) and Mark Fitz-Gerald (UK).[pullquote align=”right”]”This is one guy who can finger-pick, hold massive grape fruit-sized chords and make his guitar gently weep with the best.” KLue Magazine[/pullquote]
As an educator, Az has been on the faculty of Berklee College of Music’s Summer Guitar Sessions and has taught workshops at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut; Culturefest in Pipestem, West Virginia; and The Freight & Salvage in Berkeley, California. Recently, he embarked on his first European tour with California-based Tara Linda & The Tortilla Western Trio performing in the Folk Segovia Festival, Spain & a 3-night residency at Töpferei Niehenke, Hasbergen, Germany. The Amsterdam Recordings – his first solo electric fingerstyle guitar album was recorded during the tour. Previously based in Berkeley, California; Az now lives in Kuala Lumpur.
Love this rendition of Over the Rainbow / Getaran Jiwa:
So, come experience a night of Az’s signature blend of textured acoustic brilliance and poetic explorations.
Details:
Date: 27 August 2012
Time: 9.30pm
Cover Charge: RM30
Location:
No Black Tie
17 Jalan Mesui,
Off Jalan Nagasari,
50200 Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia
To avoid disappointment, do make reservations by calling: 03-2142 3737 (call after 5pm)
