03.01.2019
Text: Cem Kayıran
Translation: Yetkin Nural
When the paths of three musicians from different countries crossed in Valencia, the most exciting and current Mediterranean jazz sound was born. NES, whose multi-cultural and multi-layered sound touches various emotions, is coming to perform at Akbank Sanat stage on 16th January.
Algerian soloist and cellist Nesrine Belmokh, French cellist Matthieu Saglio and Spanish percussionist David Gadea’s trio creates an eclectic sound that expands from jazz and soul to traditional Arab music and classic. The trio’s debut album Ahlam came out from the prestigious label Act and was recorded at the legendary La Buissonne studio that hosted names such as Nik Bärtsch, Ahmad Jamal and Tomasz Stanko in the past. NES gave their first live performance at Berlin Philharmonie last fall with a repertoire in Arabic, English and French. Do not miss the chance to see this trio, which is receiving high praise from international music media and claiming their spot at various ‘‘best of 2018’’ lists, at the early beginnings of their career.
Here is a short summary of the trio’s members’ personal music backgrounds that will give you an idea of how potent a blend these three unique characters make:
Nesrine Belmokh
Nesrine Belmokh started off playing the mandolin and singing songs as a child before she became a cello virtuoso and took part in many important orchestras and projects later in her career. The legendary composer Lorin Maazel, who passed away back in 2014, invited her to Valencia Opera Orchestra. Later she went on tours with Daniel Barenboim and West Eastern Divan Orchestra. Algerian musician was also under the spotlights as the soloist and cellist of the Cirque de Soleil show Amaluna.
Matthieu Saglio
French musician Matthieu Saglio, who is known for the extraordinary sounds and vibrations he produces with his cello, is one of the jazz’s new generation’s hidden heroes. Saglio was a part of Diouke and Jerez Texas projects both as a cellist and a composer, and he keeps on exploring sounds that range from flamenco to Arab music with his solo work, giving performances with various projects at over 30 different countries.
David Gadea
David Gadea is one of the local heroes of Valencia, where the trio’s path crossed. His unique approach to rhythm, as well as an extensive setup that includes a rich selection of percussion instruments, enabled him to take part in numerous recordings and collaborations with many musicians from around the world. Gadea creates a wide playing ground within NES’ immense sound palette and offers a unique rhythmic world.