Swiss jazz pianist and composer Claude Diallo has been invited to Senegal from 23-30 May 2023 for a series of performances centred around the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival.

Beginning the trip in Dakar, Claude will rehearse with Senegalese musicians Djiby Diabaté (balafon), Lamine Fayé (bass) and Pape Laye Dieng (drums and percussion). Their repertoire will consist of original compositions by Claude off his new album, “11:11”, as well as by the modern balafon player Djiby Diabaté. The group will also include two compositions by the famous jazz pianist Randy Weston, who inspires Claude’s own style. The theme for this year’s festival pays homage to this great musician. Alongside his solo and ensemble performances, Claude will also host three jazz workshops for children and professional musicians.

BIOGRAPHY

Together with his trio the Claude Diallo Situation, Claude Diallo has released several albums, won various awards and performed at jazz festivals and venues in Europe, America and Asia. His early love of jazz came about through the music of Oscar Peterson. He studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Aaron Copland School of Music in New York, before launching his career in New York where he remained for 11 years, collaborating with the best musicians in his field. With his motto: Traveling with Music, Claude started touring outside of his native Switzerland at the age of 20 and through his curiosity, admiration and passion towards other cultures, has built a worldwide network, which is still growing.

[Portrait: Manuela Jans]