I just got back from playing 5 shows (from Dec 1-4 2011) for the Penang Island Jazz Fest. It was awesome to perform with Zalila Lee, who really added many new shades with her textural and groovy percussion work. More music from the Az Samad Duo to come for sure. =)
Our very first performance was at Tropical Spice Garden. It was such a beautiful venue and the perfect space for an intimate outdoor performance. I am very grateful to share the stage with Liyana Fizi (fresh from her first tour in Korea) and Bihzhu who just released her album Nightingale Tales.
Here's an excerpt of a review of the show from What's On Penang:
Az's natural enthusiam for his music shines through and his is the kind of performance you find yourself enjoying with a permanent smile glued on your face. He extracts an amazing range of sounds from his acoustic guitar, slaps on the sound box and strings, coupled with nail scratches, taps and some exquisite string picking.
[ Click here for the full article: Sundown @ Tropical Spice Garden Review ].
[ Click here for photos via Tropical Spice Garden's FB page ]
And two weeks before, at the lovely penangpac Stage 2, I was super happy to be the first guitarist to perform a solo recital at the beautiful new space. 
Az Samad Solo Recital @ penangpac, Straits Quay, Penang (Photo Credit: Lefty Julian)
The performance put on by AZ was mesmorizing and the sounds that he got out of his acoustic guitar were as wonderous as they were unexpected. He could be considered the "Bill Withers" of Guitar.
[ Click here for the: Az Samad penangpac recital article ]
I also had the opportunity to perform for the closing of The George Town Literary Festival at China House. Really cool space. I would love to come back at perform there again!
At China House, The George Town Literary Festival, Penang, Malaysia (Photo Credit: Lefty Julian)All in all, it was 3 consecutive weekends in Penang (so awesome). Am really digging it and with every trip I discover a different part of Penang. Way cool. =)