Al-Andalus Ensemble: Tarik & Julia Banzi: Press

SOUND AND VISION "Time stopped in Abu Dhabi on Friday, in a fleeting, haunting impression..." Read the rest below...

"This cooperation of a traditional Jerezian gipsy familiy and the Moroccan/American formation Al-Andalus is without a doubt one of the most successful fusion projects of the last few years..."

Al-Andalus, Banzi, Video

" World music at its best and, even better..."

"Danse Flamenca, nouba andalouse : la subtile alchimie..."

..."The second half of the show featured the Al-Andalus Ensemble, which was more entertaining, more interesting, and more talented (than either Yair Dalal or Yuval Ron)..." read the article below..

Cultural Modulations
"It's no small task to mix past and resent. East and West, and produce sweet music from the combination..."

"Unique, deeply moving music as familiar as an old friend, but as fresh and invigorating as a Mediterranean breeze...a development as fruitful as Astor Piazzolla's, when he shocked the Argentinean establishment with his "Nuevo Tango"- Ted Gioia

"A delightful proposition of exquisite music" El Pais, Madrid, Spain

"Tarik & Julia Banzi create a new musical language that unites the East & West." Aramco World Magazine

"A perfect soundtrack ushering in the night with an ethereal sweetness." The Georgia Straight, Vancouver BC

"The best example of cultural integration" YA, Madrid, Spain

"Music with a message!" Dick Cline, On Time

"Al-Andalus combines elements with the quiet assurance of skilled alchemists and comes up with at mix that's aural gold!" Bill Smith, Willamette Week

"Full of musical Gems! An Ageless mix!" Kip Richardson, The Oregonian

An outstanding presentation! Music & musicianship that took our breath away!
The American College Music Society

"Intriguing graceful music, sterling improvisations, world class virtuosos. Bob McCullough, Willamette Week.

"Hands down the best concert this reviewer has heard! These musicians brought something rare and wonderful, a new world of sound to listeners!" Dick Roberts, The Bridge

"These multitalented performers achieve teleportation for the senses.
The haunting, soulful music they made lingered in my mind next morning." Sorel Klein 'Pop Arts'

"Standing ovations are the norm for Al-Andalus, audiences are overcome!"
Marta Colburn Middle East Studies Center & Middle East Studies Association

"They left the stage amid wild applause--A performance by Tarik & Julia Banzi is a valuable lesson in musical culture, and a delightful musical experience!"
Tim Olsen founder/editor of American Lutherie

"Al-Andalus brings linkages to light, drawing elements together across time and space and
transforming them from memory into sensation.
Listeners find themselves simultaneously in past and future." Marty Hughley, The Oregonian

"Much of what has been forgotten by Europe is being brought back by the Banzi's in the sensitive and evocative music of Al-Andalus" Dick Cline, On Time

"A Quintessentially American musical tapestry" Marty Hughley, The Oregonian

"The performance group takes Al-Andalus into modernity and it symbolizes the cultural process and promise of American society. A place of remarkable cultural cross-pollination, where people and ideas meet and merge, creating vibrant new hybrids--America now is what Al-Andalus was in the Middle Ages" Marty Hughley, The Oregonian.