Maher Beauroy – Insula (Tropiques Atrium / Baco Distrib., 2022)
Maher Beauroy presents Insula, released in 2022 under the label Tropiques Atrium. In this fine recording, the Martinican composer and pianist traverses the cultural landscapes of the Maghreb and the West Indies.
Inspired by the profound insights of Frantz Fanon, a luminary in anti-colonialist thought, Beauroy initiated the project as a trio in 2016, alongside Redha Benabdallah, a distinguished oud player and Franco-Algerian musicologist. Evolving into a larger orchestral ensemble in subsequent phases, Insula now features a cadre of talented young musicians.
Beauroy skillfully integrates new compositions enriched with vocals, texts by Frantz Fanon, and the inclusion of traditional Afro-Caribbean instruments. A virtuoso in his own right, Maher Beauroy is a pianist, author, composer, and performer from Martinique. Transitioning from a solid classical foundation, he immersed himself in jazz and contemporary music.
His musical journey includes training at SERMAC, a distinguished center established by Aimé Césaire in Martinique, and studies at the University of Paris Sorbonne, culminating in a Diploma in Musical Studies from the Maurice Ravel Conservatory. Further developing his craft, Beauroy pursued education at the renowned Berklee College Of Music in Boston, USA, graduating in 2017.
Following the well-received EP Nèg’Zagonal, Beauroy captivated audiences with his debut album WASHA, earning widespread critical acclaim. I
Musicians: Maher Beauroy on piano; Qaïs Saadi on oud; Boris Reine-Adélaïde on tambour bèlè, percussion; Djiéka Légré on drums, jembe; Florence Baudin alias Flo on vocals; Christophe Zoogones on flutes; Sélène Saint-Aimé on double bass; Anissa Altmayer on cello; Antoine Beux on violin; and Thomas Raso on violin.
Insula cover design by Rio Le Chateau
Buy Insula.
Author: Douglas Sanders
