Somewhere between noise, rock, funk, and reggaeton wanders ABACAXI (Portuguese for pineapple). Sound art is part of the package: a choreography of flashing lights adds an extra dimension to the live performance. Band leader Julien Desprez has developed his own approach to the guitar, as if he’s playing an organ or drum kit. Tap dancing on the pedals, he engages his whole body. The trio is completed by Jean-François Riffaud on bass guitar and Francesco Pastacaldi on drums and synthesizer.
The closing band is Shake Stew. The seven-piece from Austria has overawed clubs and festivals with its wholly unique sense of rhythm, hinting towards afro beat, desert blues, krautrock, and the spiritual jazz of Alice Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders. The band has a unique line-up as well, with no less than two bassists, two drummers and three horn players, who regularly use African instruments as well. A remarkable ensemble, which has previously collaborated with British saxophone giant Shabaka Hutchings.
Shake Stew
Lukas Kranzelbinder bass/guembri/bandleader, Astrid Wiesinger alto sax/stritch, Mario Rom trumpet, Fabian Rucker tenor sax, Oliver Potratz bass, Nikolaus Dolp drums/percussion, Herbert Pirker drums/percussion
ABACAXI
Julien Desprez guitar, Jean Francois Riffaud bass, Francesco Pastacaldi drums/synth