Attab Haddad Quartet
The HUBS (Sheffield Hallam Students' Union)
Wednesday 2nd October, 2019
"From Baghdad to Seville - the Flamenco Trail"
Attab Haddad Quartet
The HUBS (Sheffield Hallam Students' Union)
Wednesday 2nd October, 2019
"From Baghdad to Seville - the Flamenco Trail"
Vieux Farka Toure
Ando Glaso Collective
An eclectic selection of soul-searching torch songs and riotous dance numbers.
Friday 8th March, Doors 7.00pm (with Social Forum from 4.00pm)
Firth Hall, University of Sheffield
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(In collaboration with Sheffield University)
Ana Carla Maza
Phenomenal: an astonishingly energetic and dynamic performance
Thursday 2nd May, Doors 7.00pm
Firth Hall, University of Sheffield
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(In collaboration with University of Sheffield)
An amazing 280 people turned out at Firth Hall to give Ana Carla Maza a right good Sheffield welcome and she deserved it too. As I said on the night, two words summed up the performance: PHENOMENAL and PHENOMENAL!
Thanks to everyone who came along and created a great atmosphere and contributed generously to ASSIST Sheffield - (over £250 + online donations). And, of course, thanks to Nick Potter and the University Concerts team.
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Some picture highlights (Don Murray) and a review (Olivia Cox) below ... my thanks to both.
Ana Carla Maza (Cello and voice); Norman Peplow (Piano & Keyboards); Arnaud Dolmen (Drums)
PHENOMENAL.
An astonishingly energetic and dynamic TalkingGigs performance by Ana Carla Maza.
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After a slightly wobbly introduction, due to technical issues with the sound, Ana Carla Maza took possession of the stage and lifted audience anticipation with her commanding and buoyant presence. The event was part of an intense international schedule and Ana Carla was well practised in her performance. The unpretentious lighting and simple stage set-up belied the drama and musical intensity that was to follow.
The TalkingGigs element of the show, which normally forms a more specific section of conversation, was woven between the first few numbers. Ana Carla was keen to emphasise that all her influences were underwritten by her childhood in Cuba within a musical family, where rhythm and diverse musical styles – son, jazz, samba, bossa nova, are part of the culture.
As a student of the French Conservatoire of Music at the age of 16, Ana Carla’s classical cello studies were evident. However, she overlays this with her own compositional palate and expressive use of the cello. She makes music as if the instrument was just another part of her. It dances and sings in harmony with her voice and beat. She sang in English, French and Spanish. Her highly physical performance was intoxicating.
Ana Carla also emphasised her intention to break the mould of the male dominated music industry and present herself as an inspirational female composer and music producer. Her latest CD Caribe marks her third album release in the span of 3 years and was fully written, composed, arranged and self produced.
The stage trio consisted of a drummer from Guadeloupe, Arnaud Dolmen and Norman Peplow, a German pianist who has an affection for Honduras. Naturally, Ana Carla led with her cello and heartfelt vocals. Their self assured and infectiously dynamic performance gradually won over the normally quiet audience and evoked our Latin Soul. The audience demanded encores and took to the floor to sing and dance their appreciation.
“I think the most important thing is to love what you do for a living, if you’re not doing this you’re wasting your time.” Ana Carla Maza
Olivia Cox.
All photos by Don Murray
