"Barbod  with  many original approaches to improvisation and composition, and over the  last few years has crystallized them with a diverse group of backing  musicians into a unique ensemble, which blends the sounds of his  homeland with his passion for new music." 

Head of Jazz Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University

The Farsi word Jazzab means attractive, alluring; words which perfectly describe the performance that a capacity crowd enjoyed on Saturday. This was East meets West in a unique fusion of traditional Persian instruments and the Jazz mainstays of piano, sax, bass and drums. Through two sets of original compositions, six brilliant musicians interlaced the magic and mystery of music inspired by Persian philosopher/poets, Rumi and Omar Khayyam, with a reverent nod to classic Jazz influences such as John Coltrane, Charlie Parker and Thelonious Monk. Gracious front man and composer, Tehran-born Barbod Valadi, played the Persian stringed instrument, the tar, and electric guitar.  The ensemble were the skillful backbone for the complex 5/8, 7/8, 13/8 and even 14/8, timings and changes. At the completion of Jazzab’s last set, the audience rose in a standing ovation, to express their appreciation for a memorable evening of entertainment at the Jazz Club.

Alan Smith.