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maqom
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The idea for the Jazz-Makhom project was initially suggested by the Uzbek manager and musical producer Asror Isahodjaev and then developed by Andrea Romani. The central idea is to create an original melting of jazz and the Uzbek maqom tradition, bringing to life “other-ways” the Uzbek maqoms without altering their essence.This project has been developed thanks to a collaboration between Uzbek and European musicians and funded by the Embassy of France in Uzbekistan, then the same concept was extended to other central asian countries
Andrea Romani
Andrea Romani is a self-taught performer and composer who specializes in playing the flute and ney, with the oud and his voice as secondary instruments. He has dedicated his extensive musical research—based on both long studio sessions and numerous travels—to integrating jazz and modal music, particularly from the Mediterranean, the Balkans, the Middle East, and Central Asia. In 2013, he created the collective "Alonisma" in Paris, which brings together musicians, painters, directors, actors, dancers, and scholars from Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
After years in Istanbul, Paris, and Athens, Andrea Romani released his first album, "Cekirdek," in 2017 under the Turkish label Kalan Muzik. In 2019, he participated (on flute and ney) in the album "Summation" by bassist Apostolos Sideris, featuring New York pianist Leo Genovese, Greek drummer Dimitris Klonis, and Greek violinist Giannis Poulios. In 2021, he recorded for Sideris' new album "Hane," set to be released in February 2022.
In April 2019, Romani recorded (on ney) for the album "Lown" by Parisian pianist Alexis Nercessien, who invited him to lead and design the Jazz Maqom project after musical experiences in Uzbekistan.
Andrea Romani also founded www.MakamOdyssey.org in 2019. In collaboration with the Panthéon-Sorbonne University, Maison des Cultures du Monde (Vitré), and Drom, Makam Odyssey organized a master class in Ottoman music with Aliosman ErdoÄŸdular (ney) and Ahmet ErdoÄŸdular (voice) in October 2021.
In October 2021, he, along with Anne Paceo (drums), Alexis Nercessian (piano), and Apostolos Sideris (double bass), initiated a new project sponsored by the French Embassies in various countries, www.Jazzmaqom.com, with a composition residency and two concerts in Tashkent (Uzbekistan). This is an East-West fusion project, combining jazz and Eastern modes along the Silk Road.
In 2022, the project is heading to Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, sponsored by the French Embassies in both countries, as well as the German and Swiss Embassies, and supported by the Franco-German Fund and the French Institute.
Andrea Romani remains a member of Apostolos Sideris' group, which is awaiting the release of the new album "Past Presented" in November 2023 under the French label Parallel Records, with pianist Leo Genovese (2023 Grammy award winner with Wayne Shorter's latest album) still part of the team.
In addition to his native Italian, Andrea Romani speaks English, French, Turkish, and Greek, and communicates musically in the cultures and traditions of these countries.