Cat No CHOU0602

Arabanda is a new Brussels based music project founded by singer Laïla Amezian and accordion player Piet Maris of Jaune Toujours & Mec Yek. Their paths had crossed before with Ishq, the classical arabic music project by Weshm, but more importantly with the band Jaune Toujours - who have been acclaimed in the UK by Andy Kershaw, fRoots & Late Junction.

Arabanda approach songs from the Arabo-Andalusian repertoire in a fresh way, adding their own arrangements and interpretations. Laïla¹s singing is sometimes unconventional but immediately striking; while Piet’s accordion is the driving force of the band, supported by the rhythm section of drums and double bass plus a brass and reeds section. Many different styles are added to the mix : jazz, world music, chanson, gypsy, rock, electronic.

They are currently touring Europe and have UK concerts & festivals booked for July and August. A concert by Arabanda is built up gradually. It starts intimately with just vocals and accordion. As the concert progresses, the musical universe expands. Instruments are added one after the other and the music evolves into a rich, rhythmic, festive atmosphere.