Primary Instrument: Piano
Aziza is a composer, pianist, poet, vocalist, arranger and music educator. Aziza was born and raised in new york city. She started playing piano at 8 years of age and began composing music while attending The High School Of Music and Art and The Manhattan School Of Music. She has a master's degree in music education and a bacherlor's degree in theory. She taught in the new york city public schools system for approximately 16 years as a licensed music teacher. Alicia Keys was her vocal jazz improvisation and theory student for 3 years at The Professional Performing Arts School in new york city . In June 1997, Aziza received The Presidential Scholar Distinguished Teacher Award from President Bill Clinton.
Her most popularly recorded song to date is “La Costa”. Natalie Cole sung and recorded it during the time when Aziza,( who was then known as Linda Williams) was her music director and pianist. Other recordings of La Costa have been done by Ahmad Jamal, Jorge Dalto, Phil Upchurch, Franciso Agua bella and many others. Aziza recorded 2 very different versions of it on her Jazzsoetry vol.1 cd.
She has collaborated and written recorded lyric versions of tunes by Ahmad Jamal( Whisperings, My latin, Picture Perfect, It's Only a flower), Ray Bryant( One Fine Day, which is the lyric version of Cubano Chant)and the late Tommy Turrentine( Big Brown Eyes). Cecil Bridgewater and Vanessa Rubin recorded a beautiful ballad written by Aziza called If My Heart Could Speak to You. Aziza's music has been sampled by artists in the U.K and Japan. “Elevate Our Minds” and “Capricorn Rising” are still very popular overseas.
Aziza is Shelton Becton's designated keyboard sub in Oprah Winfrey's Broadway Hit musical The Color Purple! And performs with her band in and outside of new york city.
Awards:
1997- The Presidential Scholar Distinguished Teacher Award from President Bill Clinton @ The White House. International African Arts Street Festival- First Place winners in the contemporary Jazz 1996“What can be said about such a musical work of sheer genius.” “ Aziza, in her latest work titled, Jazzsoetry demonstrates her musical mastery in her use of harmonious melodies and spell bounding rhythms.This is definitely one that should be in the IPOD.”..Andrea M. Moore, Executive Director, SmoothAtlanta.com
“Aziza's lush new CD release,Jazzsoetry, combines all of the essential elements that comprise musical excellence: gorgeous performance, hip production, soaring melody and sophisticated songcraft. Her music would make a perfect accompaniment for dining, wining and especially romancing!” ”My favorite tracks off of the album- Jamie, J to the A and La Costa sound incredible on my nationally syndicated jazz radio mix show THE GROOVE BOUTIQUE and listeners have responded with tremendous enthusiasm to Aziza's uniqueness and passion.” ”Aziza has won new fans across the country with the airplay of her beautiful music and I count myself as being one of them! Thank you Aziza!!!....The Groove Boutique
Disclaimer: All About Jazz is not responsible for the accuracy of the discographical data at the website(s) provided. If a link is no longer valid, please contact discography@allaboutjazz.com. Thank you.
Primary Instrument:
Piano
Location:
New York, NY
Willing to teach:
Beginners
Credentials/Background:
Master Degree in Music Education and Bachelor Degree from The Manhattan School Of Music.
Schools of Employment:
The Professional Performing Arts School
The Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Arts Connection
The Abrons Arts Center/Henry St. Music Settlement
92nd St. Y
West Angeles Christian Academy
