Azanyah

Azanyah was founded in 1984 as a septet led by Mamaniji Azanyah, and Immanuel Zechariah. The band has performed at many venues and jazz festivals in the South-Eastern United States. It is reminiscent of early spiritual jazz. The message was clearly gospel-like, referring to Jesus. There were a few narrative intros, with simultaneous male/female voices, loud echo, and then they began to sing (with a powerful and soulful jazz female voice). Jazz-like piano improvisations are possible, and the double bass can sometimes be repetitive to allow for more free improvisations with the moody flute or saxophone. There’s also lots conga drumming. There is also an acoustic rhythm guitarist. You can also feel the “black” energy (=pan-African), or nature of spiritual jazz, as with most other forms. From http://www.psychemusic.org

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