Please can you tell us about your new album?
Our new album Afro Baroque is the result of our unexpected musical “love at first sight”. I was looking for a new drummer for my trio, when a friend suggested I listen to this extraordinary drummer Conti Bilong. After hearing only a few bars of his music I realised I had to get together with him, and I saw him out in Paris. We had a meeting in duo more or less not knowing what we were going to play, and suddenly the music was on! We were improvising in a way we never did before, and the connection was instantaneous and magical.
Our album brings two seemingly opposing musical worlds together: from my side the jazz and the classical music influences and counterpoint, and Conti’s deep Central African music tradition and polyrhythms from the other.
All but one of the tracks on the album are composed by us, and the interplay is a constant dialogue and exchange that goes on between us spontaneously. Except for a few basic overdubs, all of the music is played absolutely live, and the coordination and focus it requires of both of us during the act is what makes this experience unique for us, and hopefully for the listeners as well.
What other projects are you currently involved in?
Yakir Arbib: I just finished recording my solo album dedicated to intimate and personal compositions about love, and I recently finished composing a chamber music work entitled “Suite Orientale” which is a mix of classical and Arabic music and which I will tour in 2026. I also just finished filming for a documentary that is going to be aired on French television about my music later this year.
Conti Bilong: I have a jazz/ fusion trio I am currently touring with, and I have an Afrobeat/ fusion project that is my original take on Afrobeat music that attempts to push the boundaries of the Genre with original composition and jazz harmonies.
What are you currently listening to and what was the last CD or download you bought?
Yakir Arbib: mM day can range from Brahms to Arabic music, to some Idan Raichel, to some trashy pop song, and back to Bach… The last album I bought was a soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails.
Afro Baroque by Yakir Arbib & Conti Bilong is released on Elsden Music on Friday 24th October. Available on CD, Digital Download & Limited Edition Vinyl from Bandcamp.
Conti Bilong: I like to be very open as musician. I listen to all kinds of musical genres – from pop to jazz to fusion to African music…
What is your all-time favourite album and why?
Yakir Arbib: I can’t really say I have one all-time favorite album. But I can choose one all-time favorite musical work, and that is most definitely the Well-Tempered Clavier of Bach (specifically the second book).
The fact that every musical tonality is represented makes it very appealing to me. I have synesthesia and I see every musical tone as a distinct colour. Every one of the Preludes and Fugues is like a unique world of expression perfect as it is and incredibly inspiring.
Conti Bilong: my all time favorite album is “Kind of Blue” by Miles Davis. It’s just a great album. The swing, the solos, the melodies…
Who has caught you attention recently that we should be listening out for?
It’s hard to say as there are so many great players around. We generally really appreciate when someone comes out honestly and tries to express something that hasn’t been heard before – no matter in what musical “style”. Talent is important to us just as much as personality and neither should be taken lightly.
