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Europe > Belgium > Aka Moon |
Aka Moon
The music of this Belgian trio is the result of an untiring passion for traditional sounds from around the world. Originally, composer Fabrizio Cassol was drawn to the rhythms of the Aka pygmies in the tropical forest of the Central African Republic. Joined by one of the best drummers in Europe, Stéphane Galland, and bassist Michel Hatzigeorgiou, Cassol has forged one of the most innovative jazz trios on the continent. Since Aka Moon started in 1991, they have recorded over a dozen albums, each with a different colour and musical inspiration. But it is live that these artists are seen at their best. |
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Cité de la Musique - Paris 2005
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Stéphane Galland describes how the band acquired their unusual name. It was the result of an intense stay with the Aka pygmies in Cameroon’s tropical forest. What impressed the trio was the pygmies’ refusal to organise their music in a hierarchical manner. They returned with such values that they have since inculcated their own musical interpretations.
Cassol underlined the diversity of explorations the band has undertaken in the dozen years they have been together. This includes karnatic modes, Senegalese rhythms and, lately, Cuban traditions and baroque music. A dense and rich career that the wider public has yet to fully appreciate.
At the annual Jazz Festival in the French capital Aka Moon swept an enthusiastic crowd away with their virtuistic concert. Backstage, I caught up with saxophonist Fabrizio Cassol and drummer Stéphane Gallard.
Interviewed by Daniel Brown
 Artist website
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