After adventures in the most diverse formations and musical styles, Wold jazz icon Nguyên Lê returns to the trio format with which he once founded his international career. Together with the Canadian Chris Jennings, one of the most sought-after bassists on both sides of the Atlantic. And the Moroccan percussionist Rhani Krija, whose filigree, colourful grooves have already enriched the music of stars like Sting, Keziah Jones or Dominic Miller.
Since guitarist Nguyên Lê became the first exclusive ACT artist thirty years ago, he has established himself as a distinctive voice of his instrument. And as one of the most important representatives of jazz as world music without borders. The 64-year-old is one of the few whose technique, style and composition are unique and recognizable from the first note - a mastery in the true sense of the word. With "Silk and Sand" Lê now returns to the format of the trio with which he once began his career as a leader on "Million Waves".Lê was self-taught as a musician. He started out on the drums, only switching to guitar later. His academic studies were in fine art and philosophy, and it was only thereafter that he embarked on a career in music. His artistry, therefore, defines itself as being not of any particular school –...
line upNguyên Lê / guitars, synths, vocals
Chris Jennings / acoustic bass
Rhani Krija percussion / gumbri, vocals
Music composed and produced by Nguyên Lê
Recorded by Ralph Kemper and Nick Benoy at Riverside Studios, Cologne (Germany), October 16 - 19, 2022
Assisted by Sam Donalies and Moritz Wiorkowski
Guitar overdubs and mixing by Nguyên Lê at Big Rock studio, Lyon (France)
Sylvain Barou and Miron Rafajlovic recorded at home
Etienne Mbappé recorded by Nicolas Viccaro in his studio
Mastering by Bruno Guel, Elektra Mastering
Silk and Sand is a co-production between ACT Music and La Queue du Tigre
Cover art by Lucy Dodd: Snake, 2017, by kind permission of the artist
