An Interview with 2 Members of AziZa

I am told that World Fusion was a term coined in the 80's. It is "roots" music, music based on traditional music from whatever the nationality. The band AziZa plants the roots of their music in the styles of the middle east. Their inspiration comes from Turkish, Greek, Egyptian, Andalusian and Balkan culture and music.

The band consists of Aziza Poggi, vocals and persona; D Adam Estner, guitar that sounds like a lot of different guitar relatives, depending on his technique; Daniel Giacobazzi, Flute, saxes, assorted percussives; Kathy Roberts, Egyptian Tabla, Cajon, hand clapping and other percussives. D. Adam Estner and Dan Giacbazzi compose the music. And everyone in the ensemble works on arrangements and writes their own parts.

Following are a few question asked of Aziza Poggi (Dendura), the ensembles vocalist and Kathy Roberts, their Tabla player.

What made you get interested in World Music?

Aziza: It is in my blood. I am part Lebanese and part Egyptian. So it calls to me. I have always found it quite hypnotic. I also remember hearing it as a little girl. I love this style of music and how it makes me feel.

Kathy: [I am of] Middle eastern blood,

Aziza, what happens with your Egyptian metal band, Dendura, now that you are devoted to this project?

Aziza: I founded the band with Steve Wethy, so I have no plans on quitting. But I am focusing more on this new project and also my future opera career. I am currently in school for classical voice. Dendura has wiped itself out with finances as we are financing our own album and so we're hanging low, recouping our financial situation. Performing very lightly until we have a solid plan put together on completing our album w/ Neil Kernon. It has been a lot of stress and pain for me mentally so this is a breath of fresh air for me. When I am in a situation that I feel I can not change, I take a step back and evolve in other things in my life. I don't wait for things to happen. I go after them. This project started out as a side project, but it has become a serious endeavor now and the timing couldn't have been better. Without this new group or opera, I think I would be very unhappy. This has made life more enjoyable.

Aziza, why did you chose to use your name as the band name?

Aziza: I was concerned about picking my name because I didn't want to look like I am all high and mighty but it was a band decision--easier to say than Ensemble Al-Asdeka (the original name of this group) and easier to remember. Adam (guitars) was in California at the time and we thought we were starting a new band, but it didn't turn out that way and we are really not sure how the name thing is going to work out, since Ensemble Al-Adseka has some overseas value. Really, this group is Al-Asdeka, but with me singing and more vocal oriented.

When will there be an AziZa CD available?

Aziza: We will be putting out a demo later this year, but not sure when.

Any upcoming shows?

Aziza: We have our debut show where we are mixing half of instrumental music of Al-Asdeka and half of me performing [with them] as the new group AziZa. We decided to warm up the audience who knows Al-Asdeka to [them] now having a singer. This performance is at The Grand Rapids Art Museum August 28th in and it's a free show. We then have another free show on October 23rd at Schuler Books and Music on 28th St.

What are the future goals of AziZa, the band and Aziza, the person?

Aziza: We would love to tour! Go overseas and launch this. I know we all would love to be full time musicians. As for me, I am one who always likes to have a couple projects I am working on so I am always feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Some people like one thing only, but I have always liked a couple. My goals are many but with music it is to be a great singer, become a solid pianist, have a successful band and be a good and solid human being. To be open to new experiences, music, and culture. I always want to be open for meeting musicians and singers who will inspire and motivate me. I want to constantly evolve. I want to be a good person and eventually, teach others. I try if I can! Too many people are competitive with each other instead of learning from one another. I heard someone today at school put down another musician who played the same kind of instrument they did. Obviously, this was jealousy. But if that person spent less time creating drama and more time in the practice room, or even asked that musician for help, he would be excelling at a quicker pace than he currently is. Too many people do this and they need to put their attention back on themselves and evolving as a musician. Music is here to inspire!

www.azizaworld.com

www.myspace.com/azizaworld