Jazz star Azhaar Saffar comes to Alexander’s in Chester

Oct 1 2009 Chester Chronicle

AZHAAR Saffar will be appearing at Alexander’s in Chester on Sunday, with her quartet to promote her new album Out There.

Azhaar’s vocal and writing talents have previously received much acclaim with Brazilian jazz group Sirius B.

Here she shows her versatility as a vocalist and violinist.

Her individual style was honed through extensive travels to countries as far flung as Egypt and Brazil, finally finding expression through the medium of jazz.

She has been likened to a cross between Norma Winstone and Harry Connick Junior .

This line up mixes reworkings of modern jazz standards with the Brazilian repertoire and Azhaar’s original compositions.

The album showcases her rare combination of commanding vocals and modern jazz violin and features guest appearances from some of the crème of British jazz, including Jason Rebello and Iain Ballamy.

The line up is Azhaar Saffar on vocals and violin, Dale Hambridge on piano, local rhythm section Frank Grime on double bass and Eryl Roberts on drums.

The tour is being supported by a jazz services award.

For details, ring Alexander’s in Rufus Court on 01244 340005 or visit www.alexanderslive.com.