Niyaz


نیاز (Niyaz) is an Iranian musical trio based in Los Angeles, CA, USA. The group was created in 2005 by DJ, programmer/producer and remixer Carmen Rizzo, vocalist and hammered dulcimer player Azam Ali, formerly of the group Vas, and Loga Ramin Torkian of the Iranian crossover group Axiom Of Choice. Niyaz is a Persian and Urdu word meaning “yearning”.
Niyaz’s music, described as “mystical music with a modern edge”, is primarily a blend of sufi mysticism and electronica. Niyaz adapts Persian, Turkish, and indian folk songs and poetry, including the poetry of Sufi mystic Rumi, with electronic instrumentation and programming. Source: last.fm

Described by the Huffington Post as “an evolutionary force in contemporary Middle Eastern music”,Niyaz first stepped onto the world stage in 2005 with their infectious self-titled debut album appearing at #1 on iTunes. Critics declared the album to be one of the most ground breaking of its time. A worldwide tour followed and quickly established Niyaz as a stand out ensemble in a very crowded world music field. By seamlessly blending medieval Sufi poetry and folk songs from their native Iran and its surrounding countries in the Persian and Arabian Gulf, with rich acoustic instrumentation and modern electronics, Niyaz has created a 21st century global trance tradition and proven to be a group with a distinctive voice of their own, amply deserving of the success they have garnered worldwide.
Today with three best selling and critically acclaimed albums released on Six Degrees Records, all of which have debuted at #1 on iTunes and garnered the band an incredible amount of media attention including features on BBC, NPR and PRI, Niyaz continues to tour internationally and build on its impressive and loyal fan base. Since 2005 Niyaz has performed in the United States, Canada, France, Japan, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, India, Dubai, Mexico, Slovenia, Italy, Portugal, UK, Croatia, Tunisia, and Austria. Their music has also been featured in several major film and television scores, which include, True Blood, Nip Tuck and Crossing Over.
Founded in 2004 by Montreal based Iranian vocalist /composer Azam Ali, whose unmistakable voice has graced numerous recordings and major film scores, Montreal based Iranian multi-instrumentalist/ composer Loga Ramin Torkian, and two time Grammy nominee American producer/ re-mixer Carmen Rizzo, Niyaz which means “yearning”, was established as a platform to create social and political awareness through music rooted in, yet not limited by tradition. Music which does not just cross cultural and stylistic boundaries, but the centuries as well. With each album, Niyaz continues to explore the music of regions around Azam and Loga’s native Iran, to shed light onto the plight of immigrants as well as minority ethnic and religious groups who struggle to maintain their identities. The music and message of Niyaz takes the listener on a philosophical quest into the human depths. It is a journey filled with a message of hope against injustice and oppression, a universal tribute to beauty, cultural and spiritual diversity, freedom and dignity for all. Source: NIYAZ

Watch and listen the vídeos: Beni Beni, Sumud (full
album), Parishaan, Mazaar, Allahi Allah, The Hunt,    
Dilruba, Iman, Arzusun, Golzar, The Fourth Light,       Minara, live at Etnika Festival, Nahan, Song of Exile,
Dertli, Live @Yoshi's Oakland, Dunya, Hejran, Shah Sanam, Allah Mazare, Ziruh, Tamana, Mahtaab, In
Other Worlds, I'm a stranger in this world, Neni Desem, Nami Nami, Dandini, Shirin, Faith, Mehman,
Abode, Duna at Night, Ocean, Endless Reverie, Forty
One Ways,Lai Lai,Mix (50 videos) and Mix (50 videos)