Born: January 2, 1978 Primary Instrument: Guitar
This project was born in my mind whilst living for a two year period in a traditional “case” or grass hut in New-Caledonia. I played guitar in front of the fire, listening to a lot of classical music such as Ravel “Le Tombeau de Couperin”, but also Shakti, Chaurasia, Paco de Lucia, and many others… All of my compositions start out initially as classical pieces that I later arrange for a smaller combo, with my friends. Mana ia is the name of my son, this album is dedicated to him, and a lot of good vibes are in and around this project. I invited Mokhtar Samba to play and record with Alex Harvey and myself in Noumea last year (November 2007). Then, on the last day of the project, the Mario Canonge Trio, with Linley Marthe and Chander Sardjoe joined us for a memorable recording session at “Mangrove Studios”, in Noumea…You can see all the pictures in this profile. The takes with Jérome Marchand ..o were made at a later date (May 2008) at “Akoustik Studios”,still in Nouméa, with engineer François Masia. I went to Paris in June, 2008 to mix and finalize the album with engineer Christophe Sarlin, who also works with Mokhtar Samba, and managed to do three more recording sessions. The first one with Orlando “Maraca” Valle on Souvenirs d”Espagne part II. The second one where I overdubbed the bass on Avio. And finally, the third one with Mario Canonge on Liane Jade and Avio. I really want to thank all the people who helped me to produce this album, my family, and my friends. I hope you enjoy listening to our music, we had a lot of fun making of it!!! The CD is currently available at the FNAC and VIRGIN MEGASTORES in France, selected outlets in New-Caledonia and will also soon be available for download from itunes.
Primary Instrument:
Guitar
Location:
Paita, New-Cledonia, NC
Credentials/Background:
I teach in Noumea, in the music Conservatory.
Clinic/Workshop Information:
Explanation on my approach of composing, play on backing tracks of Mana ia, see a way to improvize, to learn what to play, on which chord.
