Amir ElSaffar New Quartet (US)

Amir ElSaffar is an American trumpeter with Iraqi roots who blends jazz, contemporary classical music, and Arabic maqam in his own distinctive way. His album Live at Pierre Boulez Saal earned international critical acclaim. Tonight marks his debut at Paradox, performing with his New Quartet: pianist Tania Giannouli, saxophonist Ole Mathisen, and drummer Tomas Fujiwara.

ElSaffar's trumpet sound combines the subtle ornamentation and microtones of Arabic maqam with jazz influences ranging from Miles Davis to Woody Shaw. The music moves from deeply introspective and almost silent passages to ecstatic and declamatory moments, while the microtonal piano continuously explores unconventional harmonies.

"The celebrated trumpeter and composer Amir ElSaffar explores vital connections between jazz and Arabic music..." - The New York Times

"a contemporary jazz masterpiece...this is an album you'll want to listen to again and again; it's full of surprising sounds (notably the leader's Arabic-toned trumpet and Gianoulli's often breathtaking microtonal piano), veering between the contemplative and the extrovert, and imbued with an almost celestial intensity. Great music, faultlessly executed." ★★★★½ - Jazzwise

Amir ElSaffar (trumpet & vocals), Tania Giannouli (piano), Ole Mathisen (tenor saxophone), Tomas Fujiwara (drums)