Ethiopia has long been a land of exceptional musicianship and innovative hybrid styles, infusing influences from all four corners of the globe. Nine-piece Ethio-Jazz ensemble, The JAzmaris pay tribute to this music, unique in its sound, skill and scale structure, through combining a mix of original compositions with those of the great Ethiopian composers who have come before them
The group was established by pianist Daniel Atlaw Seifu, a professionally trained Ethiopian jazz, traditional and contemporary musician who graduated from the Yared School of Music in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa. Before arriving in Australia in 2007, Daniel was a resident musician, composer, arranger and teacher at the Ethiopian National Theatre.
JAzmaris are fronted by energetic dancer & singer Seble Girma, representing the varying regional costumes & dances of Ethiopia. She is backed by a horn & rhythm section made up a mix of Australian and Ethiopian musicians based in Melbourne.
JAzmaris where honoured with the offer to support & back the legendary Mahmoud Ahmed on his Australian tour in January 2013, performing at the Arts Centre Melbourne and the MONA FOMA festival in Hobart.
Praise from the tour:
"Mahmoud and JAzmaris came down and proved a point dramatically. When artists put out that energy it gets the crowd to trust in the program even if they don't know the artist or style. JAzmaris drew a spontaneous standing ovation from a crowd several thousand strong at MONA FOMA with their slinky and profound grooves."
- Brian Ritchie, MONA FOMA curator
"What a brilliant concert. Such a legend, what a voice and JAzmaris were in it up to their eyeballs. Melbourne has a world class band. After each song when the audience was swept up in the energy and emotion, I couldn't see how the next song wouldn't be an anti-climax. How do you maintain that momentum? They did. A 90 minute thrill ride. Extraordinary experience!"
- Punter on JAzmaris Facebook page
"Best performance so far at MONA FOMA this year..what a great crowd response
