Compaoré & Hosdikian

The encounter between two references of the Marseilles' free jazz scene: drummer Ahmad Compaoré and saxophonist Ed Hosdikian. Founding members of the trio Oriental Fusion and fellow musicians for 25 years, they evolve at the crossroads of jazz, free improvisation and ethnic music. Keen on musical experimentation of all kinds, they create a dense and mixed style through an exclusive bond with their instrument. The animist breath mixes with the deflagrations of the drums or the saturated cry of the saxophone, between two virtuoso breakaways of an unbridled fusion where power and subtlety are inseperable. The live performance remains the best mode of expression for this talented and close duo giving a set both energetic and sensuous, spiritual and fierce.

AHMAD COMPAORÉ: drums, percussion
Of Egyptian and Burkinabé origins, Ahmad Compaoré confirms his singular talent alongside Fred Frith, Marc Ribot, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, Barre Phillips, Camel Zekri or Egyptian choreographer Karima Mansour. With a constant craving for exploration and discovery, he shares his creativeness between dance, theatre and cinema. Twice recipient of the Culturesfrance "Hors Les Murs" award, he stayed in India and in Japan as part of residencies of creation. Free from boundaries, he equally enjoys the most extreme experiences in alternative and improvised music, jazz and fusion.

ED HOSDIKIAN: saxophone, larsenophone
Original, sensibly wild and label-free, the style of this musician is unique. After classical studies at the Conservatoire de Marseille, Ed Hosdikian immersed himself in the world of regional rock bands, before setting off to the United States where he practised jazz at the renowned Berklee School of Music. Back in France, he returned to his roots through the creation of the trio Oriental Fusion in 1995. However, he constantly seeks new musical experiences through collaborations with artists like Jacques Higelin, Michel Petrucciani, Nina Simone, Fred Frith, Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Youssou N'Dour.