- country:Madagascar
- style(s):Experimental, Jazz
- label:aniorecords
- type:Band, Quartet
- gender:male, female
- instrumentation:jazz combo
- artist posted by:Kramer Artists
Line up
- Joël Rabesolo (Guitar)
- Linley Marthe (Bass)
- Miora Rabarisoa (Drums)
- Monika Njava (Vocals)
Links
Travel to the Indian Ocean for a dazzling musical encounter between Malagasy diva Monika Njava and Linley Marthe, world-renowned bass virtuoso from Mauritius.
Monika Njava, through her work with Njava and Deep Forest, has touched the hearts of listeners on four continents with her extraordinary voice and powerful stage presence. Linley Marthe, formerly with The Joe Zawinul Syndicate, is viewed by some as the world’s top jazz bassist. Rounding out the Island Jazz quartet are two of Madagascar’s premier jazz musicians, guitarist Joël Rabesolo and drummer Miora Rabarisoa.
Rooted in the rich musical traditions of southern Madagascar, the group takes jazz to a new, exciting world, merging irresistible tsapiky and jihe rhythms with the sophisticated harmony and structure of contemporary jazz. The result is magical and seductive: an electrifying performance by four virtuosic improvisers, all steeped in a common island culture.
“Monika Njava as high priestess. She quickly conquered the hall with stunning theatricality.”
L’Express de Madagascar
Info Monika Njava, Vocals
Celebrated across Madagascar as the national diva, Monika Njava was lead singer in the prize-winning group Njava, recording two critically acclaimed albums for EMI. She has recorded with platinum-selling Deep Forest and tours with the band. Haizina, a world-pop solo album, was recently released on Anio Records. Singing in several Malagasy dialects, Monika draws on traditional tales and everyday village life for her lyrics. She also addresses contemporary themes, including violence against women, political corruption, and the environmental devastation of her country.
Info Linley Marthe, Bass
From the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Linley Marthe is considered by some as the world’s foremost jazz bassist (see quote below). Now based in Paris, he continues to wow audiences with his incredible musicianship and deep groove. Linley played with The Joe Zawinul Syndicate for the last several years before Zawinul died. Other top artists Linley has worked with include Cheb Mami, Dave Liebman, Nguyen Le, Trilok Gurtu, Jean Luc Ponty, Paco Séry and Randy Brecker.