Africa - Galliano

Frederic Galliano is another French DJ and producer who has connected his music with the African continent. His work combines electronics, jazz, and a large dose of authentic ethnic tradition absorbed during real 'field research'. After four years of traveling through the expanses of Africa with a portable mini-studio in a suitcase, improvised live sessions with more than 40 local musicians and twelve vocalists, he gave birth to a double album and a unique concert project. Galliano's personal story began much earlier. Born in the south of France, in Grenoble, in 1969, he graduated from the School of Arts with a degree in sculpture. However, even during those years, Galliano had a serious interest in music. He was equally drawn to 'smart' Berlin electronica and proto-house, as well as African ethnic music. In 1992, Galliano, like many at that time, embraced the DJ bug, starting to professionally spin vinyl. A few years later, in 1996, he began creating his own music. At that time, Galliano did not have his own studio, and he was invited to work at the studio of someone now well-known as Bob Sinclar (Yellow Productions). Galliano's first recordings were released on Laurent Garnier's label, F-Com. In November 1997, during an improvised live performance at a jazz festival in Nancy, the Frederick Galliano Electronic Sixtet project emerged. Over its three years of existence, the group toured the world with live performances, and critics unanimously agreed that this project was the first live band to emerge from the French electronic music scene. Galliano's Electronic Sextet performed at many jazz festivals, including the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and the North Sea Jazz Festival in the Netherlands. The music played live at these performances was later released as a separate album. In 1998, Frederick made his first trip to Africa. The musician was so captivated by the spirit of the Black continent that he began to visit various regions of Africa with enviable regularity. In 2000, Galliano founded his own label with a strange, distinctly African name - Frikyiwa. At Fred's instigation, Frikyiwa began producing various African musicians, while also paying great attention to other forms of ethnic art, not just music. Galliano works with musicians from the desert regions of Western Sahara, Mali, Ethiopia, Chad, Senegal, and other African countries. Live performances are constantly held, and after several years, they led to the creation of such an unusual and completely unique project - Frederic Galliano and the African Divas. The double album Frederic Galliano And The African Divas became Galliano's fourth full-length album, but few expected this from him. A juicy blend of house music, at times lyrical and deep, at times quite harshly danceable, and the incomparable African vocals, filled with real tradition and not groomed for 'civilized' consumption. The work of the project Frederic Galliano & The African Divas aims to showcase musical ethnic tradition in its immediate, raw form. The hypnotic, shamanic music of African singers combines with electronic beats and Galliano's skillful arrangements. Fans around the world have already enjoyed the project's concerts. Now, fans of mister Galliano's work in Moscow will have the opportunity to attend. In his live session as part of the Moscow premiere of the African Divas project, vocalist Aissata Balde from Senegal and musician Sissaka Dieuru will participate. Frederic Galliano & African Divas (trio set / F Com, Paris) - Suzy Wong Bar, March 25, 2006, 22:00