Ahmad Compaoré Quintet
Initiated in 2007 by drummer Ahmad Compaoré, the AHMAD COMPAORÉ QUINTET was born of the "Musique Rebelle" jam sessions organized by La Boîte à Musique and held at the Friche la Belle de Mai in Marseilles. As a real « work in progress » open to the public, the experience gathers many artists from the local jazz scene.
The project took shape around the repertoire composed by Ahmad - mix of African grooves, unbridled jazz, soul, funk and Oriental influences - and a part of improvisation for which an artistic direction soon became necessary. These regular musical encounters led to the project of an album with artist featuring by Marc Ribot, Jamaaladeen Tacuma and The Dynamites amongst others.
The world creation of the AHMAD COMPAORÉ QUINTET took place on 19th July 2008 at the MIMI festival (Marseilles).
AHMAD COMPAORÉ: drums, percussion
Of Egyptian and Burkinabé origins, Ahmad Compaoré confirms his singular talent alongside Fred Frith, Marc Ribot, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Barre Phillips, Camel Zekri or Egyptian choreographer Karima Mansour. Twice recipient of the Culturesfrance "Hors Les Murs" award in 2005 and 2008, he lived in India and Japan as part of residencies of creation. Free from boundaries, he shares his creativeness between music, dance, theatre and digital art.
HERVÉ SAMB: guitar
Born in Senegal, Hervé Samb is a self-taught musician. He has always been interested in African rhythms and Black American music. His international career led him to perform with Amadou & Mariam, David Murray, Meshell Ndegeocello, Pharoah Sanders and Cheick Tidiane Seck. His project "Cross Over", made of original compositions, is a tribute to Africa, free-jazz and blues. Hervé Samb lives between Paris, Senegal and the U.S.
STÉPHANE MONDÉSIR: keyboards, programming
Stéphane Mondésir began playing the piano and was trained in classical percussion instruments at the Conservatoire National de Paris where he won a First Prize in 1998. He plays in various orchestras such as the Opéra de Paris or the Cité de la Musique. Passionate about contemporary or traditional music and jazz, he performs in many festivals (Musique Action, Uzeste or Itxassou). He also composes for contemporary dance and hip hop.
SYLVAIN TERMINIELLO: electric bass, double bass
Trained at the Conservatoire de Cavaillon in Jeff Corallini's jazz class, Sylvain Terminiello quickly joined various local groups and took a double bass course with Michel Zenino. An eclectic musician (jazz, rock, salsa, world, electro), he performs within several bands (Nafas, Iraka, The Kitchen's Tales, Namaste !) and collaborates with international artists (Natalia M. King, Paul di Anno).
FRED PICHOT: saxophones, flute, machines
All together musician, composer and arranger, Fred Pichot performs within several bands: Namaste !, La Familia and Samenakoa amongst others. A prolific and versatile artist, he enjoys various collaborations in jazz, electro and traditional music. His interest for jazz and ethnic music, as well as his curiosity about the evolution of electronic instruments, lead him to try out original sound combinations.
More info on the Ahmad Compaoré Quintet Facebook page here.
