NGUYÊN LÊ SILK & SAND TRIO

In the thirty years since Nguyên Lê became the ACT label’s first exclusive artist, critics have described each one of his albums as a “masterpiece”. Не is one of those rare artists whose personal imprint of sound and technique is instantly recognizable, and whose compositional style is unique. Lê was self-taught as a musician. He started out on the drums, only switching to guitar later. His academic studies were in fine art and philosophy, and it was only thereafter that he embarked on a career in music. His artistry, therefore, defines itself as being not of any particular school – he has developed very much according to his own precepts – and he also has cultural horizons which extend far beyond music. Another important principle with Lê is that he has always seen himself as a builder of bridges between genres, styles and continents. Lê is a world musician in the most authentic sense, in whom European – and especially French – musical culture has always found a meeting-place with his Southeast Asian roots, and he combines these not just with American traditions of jazz and rock, but also with music from other continents.

Chris Jennings is a jazz double bassist, composer, arranger and educator. Growing up Canada, he began studying music early on piano and classical guitar before moving to electric bass and then double bass. He had numerous occasions in Calgary at a very young age to perform with local musicians as well as to accompany artists from abroad. Moving to Europe in 2002, Chris has established himself as an international double bassist based in Paris. He played with such musicians as Karim Ziad, Bojan Zulfikarpasic, Rick Margitza, Paul McCandless, Rudresh Mahanthappa, Himiko Paganotti and Mark Guiliana. With guitarist Nguyen Le he is currently in his “Silk and Sand Trio” with percussionist Rhani Krija.

Rhani Krija was born in Morocco, in the heart of the Gnawa culture. While in his teens, he began listening to traditional musical styles from North Africa, which formed the foundation for the music he plays today. Well-known for his knowledge of and ability to play authentic Arabic, African and Latin rhythms, Rhani has become a highly sought-after, international percussionist. He has been appearing, recording, touring and sharing the stage with: Sting, Herbie Hancock, Al Di Meola, Placido Domingo, Peter Gabriel, WDR Big Band, Annie Lennox, Prince and many others.