Cameroonian drummer Conti Bilong is certainly passionate about American jazz but with a multi-rhythmic approach that his African roots magnify in each of his albums. A former partner of Manu Dibango in the Soul Makossa Gang, he has developed a rhythmic musicality that borrows from several cultures escaped from “The Epic of Black Music”. His latest record, “Jazz Explorer”, perfectly reflects this fierce desire to grind swing to give it this irresistible Afro-captivating universality.
It is a long time ago when Conti Bilong accompanied his eldest, Sam Fan Thomas, on the roads of Gabon and Kenya. The years have passed and the experience acquired has enabled him to distinguish himself. Oumou Sangaré, Ray Lema, Mory Kanté, Cheick Tidiane Seck, Papa Wemba, Touré Kunda, were able to detect the undeniable talent of this fiery rhythmician. In Europe, Conti Bilong will be able to perfect his art and will cross paths with many distinguished musicians. The multiplicity of musical currents that stirred Paris at the turn of the 2000s fascinated him. It twirls around in this city of light where instrumentalists from all cultures challenge each other greedily every evening in crowded clubs.
The mastery of his American counterparts totally amazes him. He listens carefully to Dave Weckl, Billy Cobham, Dennis Chambers, among others… The worm is in the fruit. He then seriously considered recording his own albums. “Africa World” will be the first echo of its hectic jazz-funk expressiveness. 20 years later, Conti Bilong released her fifth disc, “Jazz Explorer”, whose title ideally reflects the intention of her artistic development. Although he does not consider himself a jazzman, his melodic strike and his taste for experimentation raise him to the rank of the most demanding swing improvisers. His repertoire, full of nods to Miles Davis, Joe Zawinul or Chick Corea, clearly indicates that his ears have captured the vocabulary of these undeniable virtuosos. Conti Bilong does not forget, however, the musical breeding ground of his youth. His daring bow to Eboa Lotin, whose classic “Bésombé” he adapted, proves his attachment to ancestral heritage.
The quest for perfection and plenitude is a key issue that requires real rigor and constant questioning. Conti Bilong’s tempo has matured and can today draw the contours of his personality. His musical adventure continues and will continue to grow towards excellence. This is the ultimate goal of any artist. This is ultimately the meaning of an artist’s life.
“Jazz Explorer” will be released on April 28, 2023.Conti Bilong will celebrate this discographic release on May 12, 2023 at the Studio de L’ermitage in Paris.