2022 jazzahead!@circus
Biography
The Aly Keïta Trio embodies the pulsating spirit of the Berlin jazz scene. Coming from different cultural backgrounds, the three musicians found a common language on stage as they explored one of the most buzzing jazz hubs of Europe. Today they are releasing their first album "Balafon Evolution". The Ivorian balafon virtuoso Aly Keïta showcases new horizons for balafon in improvised music, conquering the peaks of balafon possibilities, wandering between groovy African rhythms, spectacular polyphony and elements of jazz, and combining them into a fusion that is both futuristic and deeply set in roots. In the album Balafon Evolution, Aly Keïta Trio establishes a new level of balafon artistry, creating afrofuturistic soundscapes that transcend cultural boundaries.
With a minimalist line-up of balafon, electric bass and drums, Keita's music completely fills the space and sounds remarkably dynamic. Aiming to play the balafon like a piano, he focuses on melodies, creating vibrant harmonies with the support of Roberto Badoglio's experimental bass improvisations and Marcel van Cleef's original drumming.
Line Up
Aly Keïta
Balafon, Kalimba,
Voice
A winner of the German Jazz Award in the "Special Instruments" category, Keita plays his exciting grooves with stunning virtuosity, capturing the essence of the piano sound.
Roberto Badoglio
E-bass
Recognised as one of the most intriguing and innovative bass players among the new generation, the Italian bassist Roberto Badoglio joined the trio in 2014. He is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music, who has won numerous prestigious music competitions in Italy. Experimenting with 5 and 6 string basses and various pedals, Roberto is a true "fusion reactor"
of the trio.
Marcel van Cleef
Drums, Percussion
Before and after studying at the High School of the Arts in Arnhem, Marcel van Cleef honed his sound by performing with countless bands, covering a wide range of styles, from heavy rock and jazz to world music. His powerful and distinctive drumming has featured on numerous recordings, leaving a lasting mark across rock, jazz and world music albums.
Mariam Koné
Special guest, Vocal
Mariam Koné is a Malian singer, music teacher and a member of the supergroup Les Amazones d’Afrique.
Koné’s first solo album "Dakan" was released in 2013. Its style is soft flowing traditional African pop, with dub influences and electric instrumentation. It was produced by the Irishman Liam Farrell a.k.a. Doctor L.
Press
“This is music of exceptional quality and soul. Who knew that the humble African wooden xylophone could be so intricate, delicate, and powerful in equal measures?”
Rose Skelton, Songline, Top Of The World Album
“Nine tracks that describe, illustrate, inform about the rich palette of sounds of the one who, in the current international circuit, is rightly considered to be the best in his instrument, without dispute none, and all generations confused. He has opened the instrument to another dimension. A pioneer, a scout, a beacon.”
Jean-Jacques Dikongue, journalist
Videos
