Vancouver based Persian Flamenco singer Farnaz Ohadi celebrates her debut album release with a much anticipated live concert that brings world renowned talent to Vancouver from across the globe.
At 42, Farnaz Ohadi is releasing her debut album – a culmination of her turbulent life experience from Iran to North America and a riveting message of resilience and empowerment for women. A central, respected figure in the Vancouver flamenco scene she now translates her life story through a blend of Flamenco rhythm and musicality, and Persian poetry. Her distinctive voice has been described as a blend between the tones of the late Cesaria Evora and melodic power play of La Paquera de Jerez. In collaboration with world renowned flamenco guitarist Liron Man as her Musical Director/Composer, the two of them spent the last year and a half producing “Bird Dance” a debut album that features an intoxicating blend of rhythms and world instrumentation from both Flamenco and Persian traditions, combined with deep, soul-drenched vocals and lyrics that recount Farnaz’s life story in song.
The opening number, “Bird Dance” conveys the repression of women artists in Iran and features lyrics that build on the metaphor of the caged bird yearning to sing. From here, the show takes the audience through a journey of spiritual conflict and resolution, unimaginable revelations of relocating to a foreign land, the hope needed to move forward, and the joy in building a new life while looking back with pride. Farnaz sings with defiance and passion as she declares her love for her cultural roots and her intentions dignify it, in the only way she knows how: through music.
The featured musicians include Musical Director/Composer and flamenco guitarist Liron Man (Isreal), renowned flamenco percussionist Davide Sampaolo (Italy), Iranian percussionist Bardia Sandeghi, bass player Michael Rush (Canada), and Iranian santour player Sadaf Amini (Toronto). They will be joined by prized Vancouver talents Ali Razmi on tar, setar and backup vocals, Iranian percussionist Bardia Sandeghi, bass player Michael Rush (Canada) , Reza Honari playing kamanche, and Andre Stephanian on electric guitar. An additional highlight is Spanish powerhouse, Cristina Benitez, a flamenco dancer of the famed Carlos Saura film “Iberia”, who brings depth of expression and infectious rhythmic intensity to this innovative performance.
With the release of Bird Dance, Farnaz is realizing an artistic vision several decades in the making – a journey that has taken her from loneliness, isolation and spiritual questioning to joy, empowerment, authenticity and sisterhood. She is finally free to sing – and her career is sure to soar.
ARTIST WEBSITE: www.mashreghmusic.com