BBC Kent - Wednesday 15th November 2006
Alejandro was featured in a live interview in Julie Maddocks show.

The interview started with introduction of Alejandro as a multi-talented musician and broadcast of Alejandro’s composition” El Aire”. Then Julie quoted " A unique visual and musical experience" (BBC)
" A rare triumph of traditional flamenco mixed with classical Persian, Jazz, Indian and other Middle Eastern music forms" (BBC)

Julie then started the interview by asking Alejandro of how he could create a unique sound like that?
Alejandro spoke about the factors that inspired him in creating El Aire, Zyriab the Persian musician who settled in Spain 800 years ago and influenced the tradition of music in Andalusia, his hard work and the benefit of living in a cosmopolitan city like London.
Julie then quoted some of the audience feedback for the 11th November concert in Canterbury. Which were all very complementary and describing the performance as “ unique, enchanting, with historical research, magical, an excellent mix of cultures. etc” and asked Alejandro if he feels proud of being able to deliver his message to people?
He replied  “it certainly make me feel happy to see that people love the project and I have been able to demonstrate something unique with a social message. Especially these days that we need to promote multiculturalism in the world. But I have to mention that I have not been able to do it my own. My colleagues Jules Faife, Antonio El Despeinao, Fernando De Seviila, Samanta Cruz and Christian have also been very important.

Then in response to Julie’s question about the El Aire CD, Alejandro said that he is busy recording it and it should come out in 2007. 

Julie also mentioned the 25th, November Concert in Brook Theatre in Chatham and other tour dates.

Gloucestershire Echo - October 2006

"This fiery Flamenco band’s red hot stuff"

A Flamboyant performance of Alejandro and El Aire at Bacon Theatre Cheltenham.
An Exciting Flamenco Band.

This was not Viva Espana but a group drawing from the cultural roots of Moorish Spain - El Aire translated as feeling - is led by Amir Akbari known as Alejandro , a Persian who like one of founders of the Flamenco style 800 years ago travelled to Andalusia and combined styles of Eastern, Arabic, and Spanish music.

The fiery ethnic mix featured Indian percussionist Alok Verma, Wonderful Guitar playing by Antonio “El Despeinao”, the precise but passionate dancing of Carmela Cruz and Flamenco singing style of Fernando De Sevilla.

Colin Davison"

Featured in “The week in London” program of the BBC November 2005

After Paco de Lucia's Concert in London, October 2005, Alejandro was invited for an interview to comment on Paco's concert, speak about his music and EL Aire, What inspired him to bring Persian music into flamenco and how did Persians and Arabs influence Flamenco. Alejandro described Paco's concert as energetic and wonderful featuring quite a few young but very good flamenco artists. He Said “ I have always loved Paco
de Lucia and his music.  I started listening to his music as a child and grew up with it… He has certainly influenced my approach to music…”

He then spoke about the Moorish hold of Spain; Persian and Arabic dance styles, rhythms and language; the oud and “Ziryab”, the Persian musician and scholar who profoundly influenced the musical traditions of Andalucia and how all of those inspired him to create his music and form El Aire. The interview
was followed by broadcast of his pieces :Emirato” and “Viaje”

Featured in a live interview program in “Radio HeyNow”. Summer 2005

Alejandro was intervened in a live program about his music and his group El Aire. . He then played some pieces of flamenco and spoke about the history of flamenco and it's Middle Eastern influences.

IRAN TV
Music & Musicians, December 2002

“Amir Akbari ”Alejandro” lives in London. He's set up a very nice music band and mixed Flamenco with Classical Persian and Jazz all together. It's so beautiful. I mean really, really nice. I listened to a couple of his pieces and actually got to know him. It's a mix band. Some of them are Persian, some Spanish and some other nationalities. They've got a new style that I had never seen anywhere before. Something with a mix of Flamenco, Persian, Jazz and even Indian including flamenco dance.

They've got a concert in London on the 12th of December. It will be quite interesting and attractive. I thought to inform you. If you like this kind of music definitely go to see this one. I'm sure you'll be very happy when you
come out. The name of this band is EL AIRE. Do not miss it.”

Featured in a live program of the BBC, March 2002

The program covered Alejandro's biography. It included an interview in which he pointed out his intension of creating a multi cultural band to play his repertoire.   His recorded pieces were broadcast and then He played some flamenco pieces in live .

Common audience feedback acquired from venues include:

•   “This show was a wonderful experience. It is rare that such entertainment can also be educational. Bringing the different nergies of several cultures together in a visual and musical triumph, Thanks go to your company! Please return soon.”

•   “A foot-tamping, Hip-swaying spectacular-Top marks for musical and dance talent.”

•  “An excellent evening of superb music and entertainment. Thank you very much.”

•  “Fabulous! Really enjoyed it. Thanks”

•   “Wow! Absolutely gorgeous!! Fabulous Brilliant- What an experience!   Wonderful”

Other highlights acquired from venues include;

•       Proven acquisition of multi-ethnic audiences
•       Wide appeal suitable for all age groups.
•       Being educational whilst entertaining.
•       Being unique in style and original in compositions.
•       Encouraging development of Art and creativity of other artists.