User:Elenaghizzo/sandbox

Biography
The Majesty of Light is a Brazilian-American duo formed in late-2012 by the singer Afra Banks and pianist Land Shafran. Havana’s Hotel Nacional was the setting for Banks and Shafran’s first meeting, where the pair were introduced to each other whilst attending an international music festival in the city. Instantly discovering a mutual passion for avant-garde composition and the rhythms of the Americas, the duo set about writing songs together and developing their distinctive sound. Shafran and Banks collaborated on a body of work that evolved as their first album, the self-titled and inspired by their first composition – The Majesty of Light – due for release in late 2014.

Influenced by the transitional period between Bebop’s improvisation and the Orchestral Masters’ virtuosity, the duo’s songs offer a heady combination of Land Shafran’s extended harmonic arrangements and Afra’s beguiling delivery and lyrical sensitivity. Song styles range from the Cuban rhythmic thrust of “Deep into Midnight” to the tender “Do You Care For Me”. Nearly a year after Banks and Shafran’s first meeting, an eclectic group of young musicians was assembled to record the full arrangements. Opportunity to record in several locations presented Majesty of Light the chance for further collaboration on their sound, in particular on songs “Like a Wave”, “When Love Happens” and “Green Eyes”. The resulting body of work (the first album) evokes the cool of 60s café culture combined with contemporary ambient grooves.

The Majesty of Light now exists as a full-blown musical entity. Returning to New York to write new material, Banks and Shafran continue to develop their songbook. Until recently the duo were entirely focused on completing their first album, but are now entering into the arena of public promotion for Majesty of Light. European tour dates are to be confirmed in the near future.

Discography
"The Majesty of Light" - due for release in late 2014.