Ghaziya from Church by Mark de Clive-Lowe
The Ghaziya (also Arabic for ‘conqueror’) was an Egyptian dancer of the Nawari people banned in the 19th century and whose style later evolved into western forms of belly dance. This composition was always an exotic and mystical sounding melody built on a dancefloor sensibility. The name seems to really embody the intention of the composition. As with many of the instrumental tracks on the album, musically it’s about transposing the traditional idea of a jazz quintet to a contemporary setting, exploring the textures and styles that electronics can bring to the music while keeping the soulfulness, spirit and FUN of what we’re playing!
"Way before jazz hybridity became a worldwide phenomenon, de Clive-Lowe was busy designing its blueprint.” - Jazziz
"Connecting eras, sharing ideas. Yes indeed CHURCH sessions coyly alert the new Jazz consortium, in the most ebullient way. WE bEEN Out HeRe." - 48hills