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Island Jazz featuring Monika Njava & Linley Marthe
Exciting new album out now on Anio Records
Travel to the Indian Ocean for a dazzling musical encounter between Malagasy diva Monika Njava and Linley Marthe, world-renowned bass virtuoso from Mauritius. Welcome to Island Jazz.
Through her work with Njava and Deep Forest, Monika Njava has touched the hearts of listeners on four continents with her extraordinary voice and powerful stage presence. Linley Marthe, formerly a permanent member of 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, seamlessly merging irresistible tsapiky and jihe rhythms with the harmony and structure of contemporary jazz. The result is magical: an electrifying performance by four virtuosic improvisers, all steeped in a common island culture. Welcome to Island Jazz.
Monika Njava, voice
Celebrated across Madagascar as the national diva, Monika was the lead singer in the prize-winning group Njava, recording two critically acclaimed albums for EMI. She also recorded and tours with platinum-selling Deep Forest. Most recently, she completed a world-pop solo album, Haizina. Singing in several Malagasy dialects, Monika draws on traditional tales and everyday village life for her lyrics. She also addresses contemporary themes: violence against women, corrupt politics, and the environmental devastation of her country. "Monika Njava as high priestess: she quickly conquered the hall with stunning theatricality." L’Express de Madagascar
Linley Marthe, bass
From the island of Mauritius, east of Madagascar, Linley is considered by some as the world's foremost jazz bassist. Wowing audiences with his incredible musicianship and deep groove, he has played with top artists, notably Joe Zawinul, Cheb Mami, Dave Liebman, Nguyen Le, Trilok Gurtu, Jean Luc Ponty, Paco Séry, and Randy Brecker. "Linley Marthe is a phenomenon." citizenjazz.com
Joël Rabesolo, guitar
Recognized in Madagascar as the country's leading jazz guitarist, Joël seduces listeners with a distinctive mix of traditional Malagasy music and contemporary jazz. His unmistakable style is highly imaginative, rhythmically complex, and lushly melodic. "A six-string virtuoso." Midi-Madagasikara
Miora Rabarisoa, drums
On an island blessed with more than its fair share of amazing musicians, Miora is in the first rank of in-demand drummers. Effortlessly, he blends Malagasy rhythms with urban beats of all kinds. "An incredible talent, one of the revelations of the last Madajazzcar Festival." L’Express de Madagascar
Exciting new album out now on Anio Records
Travel to the Indian Ocean for a dazzling musical encounter between Malagasy diva Monika Njava and Linley Marthe, world-renowned bass virtuoso from Mauritius. Welcome to Island Jazz.
Through her work with Njava and Deep Forest, Monika Njava has touched the hearts of listeners on four continents with her extraordinary voice and powerful stage presence. Linley Marthe, formerly a permanent member of 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, seamlessly merging irresistible tsapiky and jihe rhythms with the harmony and structure of contemporary jazz. The result is magical: an electrifying performance by four virtuosic improvisers, all steeped in a common island culture. Welcome to Island Jazz.
Monika Njava, voice
Celebrated across Madagascar as the national diva, Monika was the lead singer in the prize-winning group Njava, recording two critically acclaimed albums for EMI. She also recorded and tours with platinum-selling Deep Forest. Most recently, she completed a world-pop solo album, Haizina. Singing in several Malagasy dialects, Monika draws on traditional tales and everyday village life for her lyrics. She also addresses contemporary themes: violence against women, corrupt politics, and the environmental devastation of her country. "Monika Njava as high priestess: she quickly conquered the hall with stunning theatricality." L’Express de Madagascar
Linley Marthe, bass
From the island of Mauritius, east of Madagascar, Linley is considered by some as the world's foremost jazz bassist. Wowing audiences with his incredible musicianship and deep groove, he has played with top artists, notably Joe Zawinul, Cheb Mami, Dave Liebman, Nguyen Le, Trilok Gurtu, Jean Luc Ponty, Paco Séry, and Randy Brecker. "Linley Marthe is a phenomenon." citizenjazz.com
Joël Rabesolo, guitar
Recognized in Madagascar as the country's leading jazz guitarist, Joël seduces listeners with a distinctive mix of traditional Malagasy music and contemporary jazz. His unmistakable style is highly imaginative, rhythmically complex, and lushly melodic. "A six-string virtuoso." Midi-Madagasikara
Miora Rabarisoa, drums
On an island blessed with more than its fair share of amazing musicians, Miora is in the first rank of in-demand drummers. Effortlessly, he blends Malagasy rhythms with urban beats of all kinds. "An incredible talent, one of the revelations of the last Madajazzcar Festival." L’Express de Madagascar
