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Azmi Hairudin

One of the most diverse, in demand sax players in all of contemporary jazz, Azmi Hairudin finds pure joy at the heart of his increasingly fast-paced touring schedule by reminding himself, every time he gets on stage, that he’s there to do one thing: Play! Azmi first expressed his interest in music on the drums, switching to saxophone in Jr. High School when he was "impressed" with the shininess of the sax. Azmi began playing local functions and clubs while still in high school. Having built a steady following as a sideman in some of KL’s top jazz clubs, 1990 saw Azmi stepping out in faith and starting his own band. KL was such a cool music town in the early ‘80s. There were so many live music venues then..everybody came through KL. He was like a sponge �" just sitting there with these giants and absorbing everything they threw his way." It worked. His musical reputation as well as his local following grew. Soon Azmi became "the" opening act for jazz shows that came to Kuala Lumpur and in 1995 he caught the ear of jazz pianist Boy Katindig, who was so impressed with the young Azmi that two weeks later Azmi found himself in Manhattan with Boy Katindig. In 1997 Azmi joined jazKeyboardist Idang Rasyidi (Trigonia) He headed to Indonesia to play with him. It was during that concerts that he decided to move to Jakarta. Over the last few years, Azmi been doing just that to the tune of almost 100 performances annually, bringing the trademark exuberance to gigs with Lewis Pragasam long time band Asiabeat, shows across the country with The Sax Pack (featuring John Kaizan). Performing for Astro Jazz series program, TVRI (Ramadhan Jazz), RTM HMI, Zoom In, Down Memory Lane, Touring with RTM Orchestra (Concert Di Raja). Appearing at Asian Jazz Festival, Mont Kiara Jazz Festival, Kuching Jazz Festival, Penang Jazz Festival, Singapore Arts Fez, Australia Arts Fez, Jakarta Jazz Festival, Java Jazz Festival, Northsea Jazz Festival, Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan Arts & Cultural Festival, Jazz Goes To Campus (University Indonesia), Bandung Jazz Festival feat. Benny Likumahua, Ireng Maulana (Indonesia All Star) Tompi & Idang Rasyidi Concerts, Surabaya Jazz Concert, and many more regional and international concerts and festivals. " Azmi soon became an "in demand" session player. The late 80’s and early 2008’s saw Azmi recording and performing with Lica Cicato, Kemala Ayu, Shahrani, Vina Pandiwinata, Angelita Lee, Jacky, Siti Norhaliza, Ning Baizura, Anita Sarawak, Kathijah Ibrahim, Salamiah Hasan, Sheila Majid, Ramli Sarip, Anuar Zain, Jacqueline Victor, Idang Rasjidi, Emmy Kulit, Ireng Maulana, Mus Mudjono, Tompi, Bob Tutopuli, Victoria Newton, Steve Thornton, Dennise Minifield, Adibah Noor, Amelina, Amir Yussof, Camelia, Deja Moss, Francissca Peters, Julie Sudiro, Misha Omar, Nora, Jamal Abdilah, Vince, Yusni Hamid, Ito and countless local and International artists.

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