In this double concert, two trios spread their wings. The Amsterdam-based AVA Trio takes its cue from Arabic and Mediterranean traditions. The French trio NOUT has won this year’s EJN Zenith Award for emerging jazz artists.

Three musicians originating from countries around the Mediterranean Sea form the AVA Trio. From their current home base of Amsterdam they guide their listeners through various Mediterranean and Arabic traditions, with a contemporary jazz approach. Giuseppe Doronzo’s baritone sax provides warmth to Esat Ekincioğlu’s deep bass lines and Pino Basile’s driving percussion. Their recent EP Ash imagines the lost sounds of the ancient cities of Knossos and Pompeii, buried under volcanic ash.

NOUT happily pushes the limits, with a rare combination of instruments. Delphine Joussein creates miraculous sounds with her flute while Rafaëlle Rinaudo does the same with her electric harp. The drums of Blanche Lafuente will have you on the edge of your seat. They describe their trio as the missing link between Nirvana and Sun Ra. The jury of the Zenith Award praised them for their energy and originality. The award is an initiative of the Europe Jazz Network.

AVA Trio
Giuseppe Doronzo baritone sax/flutes/bagpipes/compositions, Esat Ekincioglu double bass, Ezgi Elkırmış darbuka/percussion

NOUT
Delphine Joussein flute/effects, Rafaëlle Rinaudo electric harp, Blanche Lafuente drums