Tania Giannouli
What can festival goers look forward to for your performance?
I will mostly perform music from my latest album, SOLO (Rattle records, 2023) although I always like to go outside chartered territory and leave some room for improvisation. I aim for every concert to be a one-of-a-kind experience.
What influences your jazz repertoire the most?
Inspiration can spring from anywhere, from any form of art but mostly from life itself. I feel like nothing truly fades away; often, the magic lies in the unexpected emergence of lived experiences within my music. I might not know where it comes from, but there's always a reason!
What are you looking forward to?
As I grow into my career and personally, I find it increasingly crucial to stay true and loyal to my inner compass, do things that I feel will take me forward and widen my horizons, things that bring me closer to my real self. I could never fake something I am not. I believe it's only when you stay true to yourself that you can truly connect with your audience. It's also very important to me to find like-minded partners in this journey, people who share the same passion and are committed to collaborative work based on ethos and respect and free from egoisms and pettiness.
Regarding MAMA JAZ, I believe it's a commendable organization known for its high standards of artistic excellence and professionalism. Creating a month-long festival is no small feat, so I have immense respect for everyone involved. It provides a fantastic opportunity for both locals and visitors on the island to enjoy performances by top-tier international artists in stunning venues like the Caudan Arts Centre, where I'll be performing. I'm thrilled to travel to Mauritius and share my music with the audience.
One piece that will absolutely convince festival goers to attend your Gran Konser.
One of the most emotionally significant performances for me remains unreleased commercially (yet?) despite being recorded: my very first solo piano concert at the Kunsthalle of Mannheim for the Enjoy Jazz festival in 2020. It was Rainer Kern, the director, who insisted on me giving a solo recital, although it wasn't something I had focused on at the time; my attention was mainly on my band projects. The concert turned out to be an incredible experience that I'll always cherish, not only because of the deeply touching feedback from the audience but also because I realized playing solo is perhaps the most significant aspect for me. It was a pivotal moment that made me realize I should never cease pursuing solo performances, a realization that dawned upon me that very night.
Other than that, you can check out my Youtube Channel - Tania Giannouli to get an insight of my music.
3rd of April | TANIA GIANNOULI'S PIANO DREAM | GRAND CONCERT | MAMA JAZ 2024
Days Order - DEZORDER
What can festival goers look forward to for your performance?
Overgrown children having selfless unapologetic fun, crafted in gratitude, self-awareness and profound silliness.
What influences your repertoire the most?
The heroes are many, on and off the stage. Some notable recent supernovas include Tigran Hamasyan, Avishai Cohen, Master Topher, Dj Sebb, Jordan Peterson, Radiohead, Periphery, Christiane Valery, Bon Iver, Kalash, Tom Misch, Brad Mehldau, Arch Echo, Fish John, Linzy Bacbotte, Radjiv Dave and Bhai Gool, among a list too vast for 3 failing memories.
What are you looking forward to?
Pouring our hearts out to the precipice of the unknown, in a blazing glory of laughs and gasps. To be reminded of the spirit of human gift in people's eyes and hugs. Bright short sparks and eternally incandescent memories.
One piece that will absolutely convince festival goers to attend your Gran Konser.
Questions, questions. Though we disapprove of spoilers, we promise an experience that will touch your soul, spark your imagination. If you're someone who cherishes the thrill of discovery and the warmth of shared musical journeys, then let your curiosity lead the way.
Although, you do get a bit of a taste on MAMA JAZ's social media.
10th of April | DEZORDER | MAMA KREASION DAYS ORDER | GRAND CONCERT | MAMA JAZ 2024
SUMRRÁ
What can festival goers look forward to for your performance?
We've been working together for almost 25 years, and we've built a unique way to communicate between us, in such a way that we allow the music to arise, grow and possess us. If you are lucky enough, you can let the music behave like water. Water always finds its way out. You just have to be aware, and awake, and don't spoil the beauty that comes naturally. It might sound strange, but this is not very common. We know that now. From the very first time that we met, we understood that this should be the way to work together. After 7 albums, 25 years, and hundreds of concerts all over the world, we feel that we are incredibly free when we play together. And the audience can travel with us in such an easy way. Yes. You can expect freedom, beauty, and joy. 100% MAMA JAZ and 100% SUMRRÁ.
What influences your repertoire the most?
Since the very beginning, we've composed our own material. This is a glorious shortcut to take us quickly to the mindset we are looking for. We understood that our path had to be unique. We love all Jazz traditions, and the greatest piano trios from the past, of course, and could name tons of incredible musicians that influenced the three of us. We love to hear the opinions of the audience after each concert. It's a lovely way to discover new music that we don't know about.
What are you looking forward to?
We are always looking to connect. This is our main goal. Always!
One piece that will absolutely convince festival goers to attend your Gran Konser.
Here it is:
17th of April | SUMRRÁ | GRAND CONCERT | MAMA JAZ 2024
Manu Desroches
What can festival goers look forward to for your performance?
This show is going to be the most groovy and soulful experience that Mauritius has ever offered to the music scene.
What influences your repertoire the most?
Africa has always been my greatest source of inspiration. Its melodies and rhythm have always touched my soul. The power of African music is the heartbeat of my music.
What are you looking forward to?
I'm collaborating on this project with Mauritian legends; Gino Chantoiseau, Jhonny Joseph, Jallil Auckbaraullee and Patrick Desveaux. These musicians have always been an inspiration for me throughout my journey and getting to experience my composition with these geniuses is an honor.
One piece that will absolutely convince festival goers to attend your Gran Konser.
Yes:
24th of April | LATER LESIEL | MAMA KREASION MANU DESROCHES | MAMA JAZ 2024
