Amina Figarova - Twelve

Pianist and composer Amina Figarova's debut recording for In & Out, 'Twelve', features an outstanding suite of songs specially composed for sextet. Inspired by a move from her longtime European base to Queens, New York, the music is suffused with a sense of adventure and highlights Amina's graceful and articulate playing.

Born in Azerbaijan but based for many years in Rotterdam, Amina's relocation to the United States was prompted by successful performances with her group at the Newport Jazz Festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and critically acclaimed shows in Chicago, Detroit and New York.

Throughout the album Amina's themes and arrangements function as the perfect setting for the complementary yet highly personalised playing of flautist (and husband) Bart Platteau, saxophonist Marc Mommas, trumpeter Ernie Hammes and the well knit rhythm section of bassist Jeroen Vierdag and drummer Chris Buckshot Strik.

Personnel: Amina Figarova (piano), Bart Platteau (flute, Bb flute d'amor, bassflute, ocarina), Ernie Hammes (trumpet, flugelhorn), Marc Mommaas (tenor & soprano saxophone), Jeroen Vierdag (bass), Chris Buckshot Strik (drums)