There are few pianists in the Netherlands who work as hard as
Amina Figarova. Born in Azerbaijan but now living in Rotterdam, Figarova manages to surprise us almost every year with a new, exciting CD. She is frequently seen on stage, although that happens more often at prestigious foreign festivals than in the Netherlands. Her playing has been influenced by musicians like Herbie Hancock, McCoy Tyner and Wayne Shorter and is of an unparalleled lyrical beauty. Figarova released her debut album as a soloist in 1994 and since then her career has rocketed. Her last album
Above the Clouds is in a class of its own. She recorded this CD with the same sextet you will hear at this festival. It is a line-up of well-known musicians like bassist Jeroen Vierdag, drummer Chris Strik and flautist Bart Plateau.
