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Az recently released his new solo guitar CD Emo Attack Turtle on July 29th! A concept album featuring two guitar suites and an epilogue connecting the two suites unites the album. A follow-up to his 2004 debut album Acoustic Gestures, this album was recorded in one session at his Berkeley, CA home. Using one guitar, one microphone and one computer, he wanted to create a work that embraced his love of improvisational music and the acoustic guitar.
"I had another album planned but this album was sort of screaming to be unleashed," says Az. "You can't stop the emo attack turtle," he jokes.
Following the release of this album, Az went on a one week Northern California tour with classical guitarist Steve Lin. The duo's performances in Rohnert Park, Eureka, Trinidad and Fort Bragg were extremely succesful. Lin, a Professor at San Jose State University envisioned the project as a way of bringing classical guitar and steel string fingerstyle guitar together in one presentation. Together, the duo took the name Acoustic Gestures, drawing from the title of Az's debut album.
Soon after this tour, Az embarked on another tour, this time with singer-songwriter Tara Linda. A mini North Coast tour, Tara Linda (voice, accordion, ukulele and bass), Rafael Herrera (drums and percussion) and Az (guitar) performed at Persimmons Garden Gallery, Eureka; on a live radio interview and in-studio performance for KMUD Radio fundraiser as well as at the Arcata Playhouse in downtown Arcata.
Az relates, "it was a real treat to be in the heart of the Redwoods - it's so beautiful up there."
"I can't wait for the next tour," he says smiling.