Anio Records is pleased to announce the release of the debut album by Island Jazz featuring Monika Njava & Linley Marthe. The voyage to this destination has been a long and fascinating one – not surprising given the scope and ambition of this unique project. Too often, attempts at mixing jazz and world music take the easy route of adding a bit of exotic landscaping to well-trodden terrain. By contrast, Island Jazz has deliberately veered off the musical map. Guided by a strong sense of direction and extraordinary playing the group succeeded in making landfall on an undiscovered isle, one lush with indigenous musical species.Island & jazzWelcome to Island Jazz. Keep an ear out for antsa sung by Masikoro women in the cotton fields north of Tuléar, southern beko from the Antandroy people around Fort Dauphin. Each song tells a story: a spurned king, a flock of jealous birds, a woman’s secret. The crimes of colonial rule. Nostalgia for a lost golden childhood. Listen further: to the way traditional melodies sit atop modern harmony, and irresistible rhythms like tsapiky and jihe are fashioned into contemporary forms with surprising twists and turns. You’ll even encounter an iconic jazz standard – but not as you know it. And get ready to be blown away by virtuosic improvisation from some of the most inventive musicians on the planet. These are the musical treasures that await you on Island Jazz.“Island Jazz offers a wide range of color, fusing the traditional songs of southern Madagascar and modern jazz. Based on the spirit of jazz, the singer and her musicians concoct a musical treasure.” La Vérité“Retsivere sounds masterful. You fully sense its roots in the soil, while the vocal line turns it toward modernity.” L’Express de MadagascarAbout Island JazzMonika Njava, voiceCelebrated across Madagascar as the national diva, Monika Njava was lead singer in the prize-winning group Njava, recording two critically acclaimed albums for EMI. She has recorded with platinum-selling Deep Forest and tours with the band. Haizina, a world-pop solo album, was recently released on Anio Records. Singing in several Malagasy dialects, Monika draws on traditional tales and everyday village life for her lyrics. She also addresses contemporary themes, including violence against women, political corruption, and the environmental devastation of her country. “Monika Njava as high priestess. She quickly conquered the hall with stunning theatricality.”L’Express de MadagascarLinley Marthe, bassFrom the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar, Linley Marthe is considered by some as the world’s foremost jazz bassist (see quote below). Now based in Paris, he continues to wow audiences with his incredible musicianship and deep groove. Linley played with The Joe Zawinul Syndicate for the last several years before Zawinul died. Other top artists Linley has worked with include Cheb Mami, Dave Liebman, Nguyen Le, Trilok Gurtu, Jean Luc Ponty, Paco Séry and Randy Brecker. “Linley is just a phenomenon. I don’t know if there is anybody who can touch him in terms of overall bass playing.”Joe Zawinul interview, www.zawinulonline.orgJoël Rabesolo, guitarJoël Rabesolo is recognized in Madagascar as the country’s leading jazz guitarist. He seduces listeners with a distinctive mixture of traditional Malagasy music and contemporary jazz. His unmistakable style is highly imaginative, rhythmically complex and lushly melodic. “A six-string virtuoso.”Midi-Madagasikara Miora Rabarisoa, drumsOn an island blessed with more than its fair share of amazing musicians, Miora Rabariso is In the first rank of in-demand drummers. With a touch ranging from delicate coloration to commanding groove he effortlessly blends Malagasy rhythms with urban beats of all kinds.“An incredible talent, one of the revelations of the last Madajazzcar Festival.”L’Express de Madagascar