“A delightful proposition of exquisite music” -El Pais, Madrid, Spain
Winners of the JPFolks "Peoples Grammy Award" for “Best World Music Song of 2009”
Nominated for "Best Contemporary Classical Album of 2010"

Tarik & Julia Banzi, Al-Andalus Ensemble  

The core of the Al-Andalus Ensemble is the married couple Tarik and Julia Banzi. Similar to the Renaissance that inspires them, they are scholars, musicians and artists whose lives reflect their commitment to create peaceful understanding between the East and the West. The Banzi's present historically informed performances of Andalusian works and also create new compositions, rooted in the Andalusian legacy. They bring their fresh and invigorating instrumental style to the stage and genuinely connect with audiences of all ages. The Banzi’s unique music bridges world, traditional contemporary and classical genres. In the United States, Spain and North Africa, Tarik and Julia Banzi's devotion to creating peaceful understanding between the US & the Arab world and amongst Muslims, Jews & Christians has significantly contributed to the politics of the region and set the trend for what is now a blossoming Andalusian music Renaissance. Their latest CD 21 Strings is in the 2010 Grammy Pool. The title track from their album Alchemy won the JPFolks "Peoples Grammy Award" for the “Best World Music Song of 2009.” It was selected by music professionals and fans alike from over 560,000 songs entered from 163 countries around the world in what is the world's largest Independent Music Awards Just Plain Folks Music Awards. 21 Strings has just been nominated for "Best Contemporary Classical Album of 2010" in the 9th annual Independent Music Awards program. Here you can listen. Please take a moment to register and vote! IMA Award Nominee/Vote

Tarik Banzi (Ph.D.,composer, multi-instrumentalist) traces his roots back to Al-Andalus, Spain. He was born to one of the old Andalusian families who founded the city of Tetuan, Morocco. Tarik is a direct descendant of refugees from who fled Granada, Andalusia and is intent on keeping this centuries-old musical and poetic traditions vibrant and alive today. Tarik grew up immersed in the Arabo-Andalusian musical tradition. Mr. Banzi later lived in Spain and collaborated with flamenco and Jazz masters such as Paco de Lucia, Manolo Sanlucar, Enrique Morente, Jorge Pardo ... Tarik introduced mainstays to modern flamenco such as the darbuka (clay or metal drum) and Udu (clay pot drum). Mr. Banzi’s diversity can be seen in the works of classical, jazz, folk, new age, rock and world music artists. Tarik has composed scores of soundtracks for cinema & film including Delirios de Amor (Felix Rotaeta, starring Antonio Banderas), Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet, Henry IV, Othello, Bodas de Sangre (Garcia Lorca) and Salome’ (Oscar Wilde).  Whether opening for speeches by  Archbishop Desmond Tutu or playing onstage with Nasrollah Moein or Radio Tarifa, Tarik moves with grace and ease between tradition and innovation.  Tariks solo album Vision explores the oud,quintessential classical Arabic music instrument in a series of solo improvisations, duets, quartets and innovative uses of the oud. Tarik is an accomplished visual artist who completed his Doctoral studies in Fine Arts at the Complutense University of Madrid, Spain. His artwork is included in collections throughout the world.

Julia Banzi (Ph.D., guitarist, ethnomusicologist) The world of guitar boasts few women who ignite the sound of the guitar, and in the flamenco culture, even fewer still. Julia lived in Spain for over a decade where she established herself as one of a very few female flamenco guitarists worldwide. In Andalucia, and later at Madrid’s Amor de Dios studios, Julia worked accompanying notable dance instructors and studied with some of Spain’s finest guitarists including Manolo Sanlucar, Isidro Muñoz, David Serva, Felipe Maya and Juan Maya “Marote.” Her passion for flamenco led her to explore its roots. She holds a doctorate degree (Ph.D.) in Ethnomusicology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, Julia’s work reflects her many years of living, studying and performing throughout the world. She teaches guitar at Reed College and Lewis & Clark College. She is a devoted teacher, composer and performer who truly enjoys working with students. Whether in flamenco, folk or classical, Julia provides students with a solid foundation on the guitar while guiding students toward creating original music they can call their own. At all levels, from learning to play their favorite songs to accompanying flamenco dancers, Julia prepares students with both solo and ensemble skills and toward a lifetime of enjoyment and proficiency on the instrument. Fluent in Castellano, Julia instructs in both English & Spanish (as per request).   Here is a short article Avatar & Flamenco Guitar written for the local Guitar Society.

Charlie Bisharat (violinist) A Grammy Award-winning performer, Mr. Bisharat’s work has graced the albums of such pop phenoms as Alanis Morissette, The Rolling Stones, Jane’s Addiction, and Aerosmith. His diversity can be heard on the works of Jazz and World Music artists Strunz & Strunz & Farah, Don Grusin and Oscar Castro-Neves. His accomplishments have been featured in scores of soundtracks from Swordfish Texas Rangers, Steal Big Steal Little to on-screen performances of Austin Powers Gold Member, The Drew Carey Show and Friends. His range of styles has led him from pop to jazz to classical. He has toured the world time and again with groups as varied as Los Angeles Philharmonic, Shadowfax, Kitaro, Yanni, Los Angeles Chamber Orchesta, John Tesh. He has composed and produced tracks for record-setting album projects as well. His works for small ensembles range from the original opus Lying In Wait by the all-female quartet Cello, to string arrangements for rock guitarist Andy Summers of the Police.

Al-Andalus Ensemble (to view/print click on right menu) This contemporary World-chamber trio of oud, violin and guitar moves with grace between the classical and the modern, subtly weaving tradition with sophisticated innovation into an energetic musical tapestry performed with a freshness and originality that has earned the Al-Andalus Ensemble a devoted international audience. For festival settings, the Al-Andalus Ensemble expands with additions of modern Andalusian dance as well as trumpet, vocals, piano, bass and drums for a vital, energetic and absolutely beautiful experience. 

Charitable Work The members of the Al-Andalus Ensemble generously donate to causes they believe in and are very active in their own local community as well as worldwide organizations.  They play regularly at charity events including Amnesty International, Mercy Corps International, Witness, World Affairs Council, United States Organization for Educational & Medical Needs (US-Omen) Mosaic Foundation, Friends of Sabeel, Lutheran World Relief, The Elders, Foundation for Peace in the Middle East, Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon, United Nations Association, Rotary International, The Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund, Bread for the World,   as well as Young Audiences   throughout the world.