Album Notes

About Alaskan Blue…
I once had a dream of being in the wilderness of the North. There was a snow- covered mountain at night with the moon and stars above and the cry of a wolf in the distance. The most remarkable and memorable part of the dream was the ambient color of the place and the state of mind the color evoked. This is Alaskan Blue. It is not the color itself that is important but what it points to. Alaskan Blue is a state of mind in which all limitations of intellectual thought are exposed and time and space lose all meaning. Until one has fully understood this state one can only know oneself partially, if at all. All falsehood including death runs from Alaskan Blue because the nothingness of all falsehood is exposed by it. All that remains is all that is, and reflected by Alaskan Blue.
S. Zai ( 2006)

Sulaiman Zai,
Classical Guitar, Composer, Teacher, Bloomington, IN

"Master guitarist...astonishing palette of tone colours and an excellent technique." Sydney Morning Herald Australia

"Zai's playing is virtuosic, yet restrained and elegant, like the guitar itself." Herald Times Bloomington, Indiana

Zai's recording is "by turns powerful, peaceful, passionate and musical at a level few albums achieve" Victory Review Magazine, Washington USA

"Sulaiman's playing illuminates a contradictory range of contexts and musical settings-one is left with the impression of powerful forces held in balance by a clear and cool mind, which operates effectively across musical genres." Canberra Pro Musica Australia

About his CD Oxygen Suite: "stunning in musical content".... "The best of its type I have listened to in years"
About Free Fall "this is as good as it gets"

"Zai's masterful playing brought to life a shimmering serenity, a contemplative beauty that made the evening much too short." Indiana Daily Student, Bloomington, Indiana

Born of Czech/Afghan heritage, Sulaiman Zai, both on and off stage is committed to exploring the boundaries of east and west. Virtuosic and imaginative in approach, his programs challenge the listener with a kinetic mix of repertoire styles and techniques. Highlights of his 2001-2003 season were two commissioned works scored for solo guitar and orchestra, works performed by Zai himself at the Indiana University Auditorium. In 2004 Zai produced his latest solo CD, Sulaiman Zai: Bach and Dowland. His warmth, vitality and impeccable technique have inspired others to write works for him.

Since his debut in 1973, Sulaiman Zai has received enthusiastic acclaim for his recital, concerto appearances, and radio and television broadcasts. In 1985 Zai was awarded an Artist Diploma with distinction from the Indiana University School of Music. He has also taught as faculty for the same institution. In addition to his performances as soloist here and abroad, Zai pursues a career in composition. His pieces often showcase the beauty and versatility of the classical guitar and his works include numerous solo and ensemble pieces, several works for guitar and orchestra works for guitar and voices as well as commissioned music for film.

Zai's achievements as a musician are attributed to a multicultural background, a diverse musical training and his philosophy towards the art. His sensitivity and expression as an artist he attributes to - "the constant striving for a high level of personal and artistic ethic"

Sulaiman Zai plays on a Miguel Rodriguez "Church Door" guitar (Cordoba) 1979


Booking and contact information:
szai@bloomington.in.us
www.guitarbloomington.com