The Blackbirds

Azhaar and Joe both studied at the Royal Northern College of Music. Their musical partnership goes back a long way. Their love of bossa nova took them to Brazil where they learnt how to play and sing bossa nova in the heart of Ipanema! They went on to form their 6 piece band internationally acclaimed Brazilian jazz group Sirius B. The band were regulars at London's Jazz Cafe and performed festivals all over the country and in Europe including The Montreux Jazz Festival, Mai Jazz Norway, aux Etc...orway, Bray Jazz festival, Ireland, Brecon Jazz Festival, London Jazz Festival etc..The Rocking Chair in Switzerland, Le chat Noir in Bordem! The pair also released the album Out There on 33 Records which was launched at the 606 Club in London, the recording also featured performances from top jazz musicians such as Iain Ballamy and Jason Rebello. It was played regularly on Jazz FM and was voted Number 1 album of the month! AndAndy Roberts from BBC Radio Wales once called them 'One of the most distinctive acts on the Jazz Scene' in his review! He has since been playing a new release of Azhaar's on Radio Cardiff! Between them both Azhaar and Joe have released quite a few albums of original music and inspiring covers! The duo always bring a professionalism to their performances, mixing a high musical standard with a relaxed cheerful demeanour, always aiming to promote the 'feelgood factor'!