JB Moundele – Racines (New Groove, self-release, 2024)
JB Moundele is a versatile saxophonist, composer, producer, and arranger whose career reflects his explorations of jazz and African music. Starting at 18, he developed his craft in piano bars and small venues. By 24, he committed fully to music, studying jazz and taking a pivotal trip to New York to absorb the genre’s essence.
In Paris, Moundele discovered African music, collaborating with icons such as Alpha Blondy, Yemi Alade, and Tiken Jah Fakoly, for whom he became the official saxophonist. He also spearheaded personal projects like JB Collectif Groove (acid jazz), N’jb (afro-jazz), and the trio Ultimate K (electro-jazz). Regular visits to Africa deepened his understanding of the continent’s rich rhythmic and harmonic intricacies, fostering collaborations with legends like Salif Keita and Oumou Sangaré.
Beyond performance, Moundele composes for film and documentaries, and he shares his expertise through masterclasses. His discography includes three solo albums and Afrotrane (2019), a tribute to John Coltrane’s jazz legacy intertwined with African roots, featuring prominent jazz musicians like Olivier Hutman and Tony Rabeson. His ongoing project, Racines, successfully explores these influences further.
Moundele’s band on Racines includes:
Mbady Diabaté, a kora virtuoso, who carries forward the rich jali (griot) traditions of his lineage. Born in Guinea, he inherited the craft from his father, Mouctar Diabaté, a renowned balafon player, and his grandfather, Mbady Kouyaté, a celebrated griot. He formed the group Les Aigles du Mandingue, Diabaté, which united his family to sustain the Manding musical heritage.
After moving to France in 2012, Diabaté expanded his reach, performing at international festivals and teaching kora workshops in Nice. Through his performances, he conveys the cultural significance of griot traditions while inspiring audiences with themes of respect and resilience.
Bruno Desbiolles discovered his passion for music at age 10, beginning with the drums. Trained under notable mentors like Christophe Pérez and Jean-Paul Ceccarelli, his career took a defining turn after studying with international drummer Gilles Choir.
Desbiolles has collaborated with artists across jazz, blues, and world music, including Ahmed Mouici and the Corou de Berra. His fascination with African sounds led him to work with luminaries like Abdoulaye Dembélé and Souleymane Faye. Constantly evolving, he expanded his expertise to percussion, guitar, and vocals, composing for personal projects and participating in theater and dance productions.
Author: Tyler Bennet
