Maillist
FOCUS ON: The Bongolian
- Official Website >>
- Label: Blow Up >>
- Genre: Soul & Dance
While still writing and performing with Big Boss Man, multi-instrumentalist Nasser Bouzida, (or just Nass to you and me), disappeared into the studio to create a brand new sound in the name of his new alter ego The Bongolian.
As The Bongolian, Nasser takes us on a solo musical journey through Funk and spaced-out Latin Soul writing, performing and recording all the material himself in the process. And for a young man whose principal interests are drums and percussion being The Bongolian makes a whole lotta sense. Drawing on all his past influences, Nass produced an inspired recording blending elements of Funk, Soul and Jazz with grinding percussion and heavy Bongo rhythms. The new sound is epitomized by the funky rhythmic stomp of his debut single Bongohead (click here to listen), which received daily Radio 1 airplay on its release in late 2001. The eponymous Bongolian LP was released early in 2003, to much critical acclaim.
Having played all the instruments for the studio recording himself, The Bongolian now had to assemble a band in order to take the new Bongo Funk sound on the road. After experimenting with a variety of line-ups the Bongolian live band has finally solidified into Dariusz Slusarczyk on Congas and percussion, Reinis Axelssonon on drums and Jerry Haglund on Guitar. Trevor Harding, (a Big Boss Man and Skooby veteran) provides Bass, while Nass concerns himself with Organ and Keyboards, Timbalis and of course, the Bongos.
The Bongolians debut gig was a headline slot at the prestigious Renne Jazz festival in France. This has been followed by more gigs in Europe and a series of UK gigs including a sell out hometown show at the Metro club, Oxford Street, W1.
Mr Bouzida is currently in the studio writing and recording material for the next stage of the Bongo Funk evolution, so expect a new Bongolian LP sooner rather than later. Elements of the first album have already been used in soundtracks and commercials both in the UK and abroad. Meanwhile, the live adventure continues with a European tour planned for early 2004, plus more UK shows in the near future.
