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"It belongs to the fusion between Vesuvio and Etna. On stage, it is crazy still. All the more, because, nearby, nobody is clowning; the best rhythm section in the world". Le Monde


Emmanuel Bex has created part of European jazz's stomping grounds since he became an undisputed Hammond organ virtuoso. According to Jazzman Magazine, he is "one of the best players in the whole world".
About Mônica Passos, Le Monde says : "She is one of the most original world music artists living in France".


Emmanuel Bex, organ
et Mônica Passos,voice

François Laizeau,drums

Jérôme Barde, guitar

Frédéric Monino, bass

ORGANSONG

Mônica Passos, vocals
Emmanuel Bex, Hammond organ
Jérôme Barde, guitar
Frédéric Monino, bass
François Laizeau, drums

The magical encounter between a Brazilian diva and a jazzman

Emmanuel Bex has always thought of his music as “stories without words”. Now, thanks to the complicity and talent of Mônica Passos, there are words that allow his music to sing. Emmanuel has found his alter ego, who gives voice to what he expresses through music.

She is Brazilian. He is a jazzman. When he plays he tries to make his instrument sing. When she sings, she modulates her voice like an instrumentalist. She is also a fantastic improviser, which is very much in keeping with Emmanuel’s own musical style—somebody who strives to ensure that the freedom of the moment remains paramount.
In 2005, Mônica won a Django d’Or award in the World Music category.
“She is one of the most original world music artists living in Paris.” Le Monde

They first met two years ago during a free session with Aldo Romano. For Emmanuel and Mônica it was a chance to get to know each other over the course of two memorable evenings, marked by inventiveness, emotion and joie de vivre. After such a fusion of musical sensibilities they could not just leave it at that; from then on it was clear that they had to form a group and make a record.

Emmanuel approached Jérôme Barde, guitar virtuoso and long-time collaborator (Bex’tet), asking him to accompany him once more. Making certain that all was pure pleasure and pure groove, they were soon joined by François Laizeau (drums) and Frédéric Monino (bass).

Their repertoire mainly comprises new compositions written by Emmanuel especially for this line-up. They also play a few numbers which, in the manner of old friends, have been a mainstay of Emmanuel’s throughout his career; La Belle Vie Pour Maurice for example now features lyrics courtesy of Mônica. The other tracks that feature vocals are, quite understandably, sung mainly in a mixture of French and Brazilian although there’s a touch of English too, notably on a stunning cover of As Time Goes By, the Michael Curtiz theme from the movie Casablanca.