10.07.18
Each week we will be posting exclusive 60 second interviews with our 2018 Festival bands and artists. This week we are in conversation with Yazz Ahmed, to find out when Yazz Ahmed is playing mjf 2018 click here.
Name: Yazz Ahmed
Name of the Band (if you’re in a band): Yazz Ahmed’s Electric Dreams
Where are you/the band from? Bahrain, Manchester, Sweden & USA
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How did you get into music?
Listening to records with my mum.
*Why did you form the band?
They are all people I love playing with individually and I thought this quartet would be a very interesting combination of musical cultures.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of being a musician?
Creating something from nothing.
What is the least enjoyable part of being a musician?
Badly planned tour itineraries leading to some horrendous journeys.
Who is your favourite band or artist?
Kenny Wheeler.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t give up!
What does it mean to you to play at manchester jazz festival?
It’s an honour and I’m really looking forward to sharing an evening of totally improvised music with the audience.
What advice would you give to the new generation of musicians that would like to follow in your steps?
Be true to yourself.
What has been the most notable highlight of your career so far?
The amazing warmth and love that I have received in response to my album, La Saboteuse, has been overwhelming.
Other than yourself, who are you looking forward to seeing at mjf 2018?
If I could I would definitely go and see Norma Winstone’s concert.
For the full Festival Programme click here.