Aziza: Holland, Potter, Loueke & Harland

Celebrating a decade of the modern jazz supergroup

Aziza - the internationally acclaimed jazz quartet featuring Dave Holland, Chris Potter, Lionel Loueke and Eric Harland - reunites in Sydney for one night only this October, marking ten years since the release of their acclaimed debut album.

Aziza stands apart as one of the defining modern jazz groups of our time. Combining deep groove, rhythmic complexity, electric intensity and global musical influence, the quartet created a sound that connected the sophistication of modern jazz with the physical force of a live band operating at full power. Drawing from African, Caribbean, jazz-rock and improvisational traditions, Aziza became recognised for performances that could shift from hypnotic pulse to explosive momentum within seconds - precise, fearless and completely locked together.

The project united four of the most influential musicians in contemporary music. Dave Holland’s revolutionary approach to rhythm and ensemble writing, Chris Potter’s relentless improvisational fluency, Lionel Loueke’s singular blend of guitar, harmony and West African influence, and Eric Harland’s generation-defining rhythmic language formed a band that quickly developed a global cult following.

For this special performance at the Hall, Aziza will revisit music from their legendary debut album while opening the door to new improvisation, new energy and a decade of shared musical evolution. Few modern jazz groups have combined this level of musicianship, identity and live intensity. Ten years on, Aziza still sounds entirely its own.

This is what City Recital Hall was made for – exceptional music and craft wrapped in acoustics that only Angel Place can deliver. Jazz fans, you’re in for a treat.

“In African mythology, ‘Aziza’ is the god of inspiration. Across four careers that leave nothing left to prove, Holland, Potter, Harland and Loueke look to each other for further inspiration.”

 Something Else Reviews

“A better album opener you will not find…..This foursome phrases over and around bar lines like nobody's business, essentially opening up new vistas by obliterating a sense of grid-like space and time.”

All About Jazz

“…the musicians, while clearly still conscious of time, seem to be floating above it.”

JazzTimes