AMINA FIGAROVA SEXTET

The Story

In her second appearance at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival, pianist and prolific composer Amina Figarova (she was named DownBeat's Rising Star Composer of the year in both 2014 and 2015) leads a sextet that conveys the power of a big band. A key component of the ensemble is Bart Platteau, her husband and longtime creative partner. The skillful blending of his flute with Alex Pope Norris’ warm trumpet and Wayne Escoffery’s tenor saxophone creates a shimmering, collective voice. Underscoring it all is the ace rhythm tandem of bassist Luques Curtis and drummer Rudy Royston, who forge an indelible connection.

Born in Azerbaijan and currently residing in New York City, Figarova was a classical prodigy who began composing at the age of six. While attending Rotterdam Conservatoire in the Netherlands, she became interested in jazz and later attended Boston's Berklee College of Music. She began performing jazz concerts with her husband in the late ‘80s. Marian McPartland once said of Amina, “She is, without a doubt, one of the most brilliant and prolific pianists and composers on the jazz scene.” Figarova has 17 albums as a leader to date, the latest being 2024’s Suite for Africa.

The Sound

Figarova’s cascading compositions, like the samba-fueled “Road Ahead” and the swinging “Green Blues” (from 2022’s Joy) or the highly-charged 12/8 vehicle “Dancing Clouds” (from 2024’s Suite for Africa) have an uplifting, exhilarating effect on listeners while also leaving ample space for his her gifted sideman, all top-shelf improvisors. At their most lyrical, like on her gently ruminative “Muse” and the sublime “Only Peace Liberates” (from Joy) or her moody ballad “Faith Is Her Name” (from Suite for Africa), Figarova and her crew can cast a spell on listeners.