Nicolas Vatomanga

Nicolas Vatomanga
Nicolas Vatomanga
Background information
Birth name	Nicolas Vatomanga Andrianaivo Rakotovao
Also known as	Nicolas Vatomanga
Born	September 24, 1975 (1975-09-24) (age 36)
Genres	Jazz, bebop, jazz fusion, ethno jazz, classical
Occupations	Musician, composer, bandleader
Instruments	saxophone, flute, flute sodina, piano
Years active	1991–present
Associated acts	Myriam Makeba, Paco Sery, Regis Gizavo, Rakoto Frah, Tony Rabeson, Mokhtar Samba
Website	madajazz.com

Nicolas Vatomanga Andrianaivo Rakotovao, known as Nicolas Vatomanga is a Malagasy saxophonist, flutist, bandleader and composer. His music combines elements of jazz, blues, and traditional musics of Madagascar, including: the hira gasy of the Centre, the beko from the South, and the salegy from the North of the Great Island.

He is also recognized as one of the heirs ^[1] of the malagsy flute sodina tradition and of its last great master : Rakoto Frah (Philibert Rabezoza Rakoto).^[2]

Nicolas Vatomanga has played and/or recorded in Europe, Africa (Senegal and Madagascar), or in the United States with: Miriam Makeba, Rakoto Frah, Paco Sery, Eric Le Lann, Regis Gizavo, Solorazaf, Lionel Loueke, Mokhtar Samba, Tony Rabeson, Serge Rahoerson, Linley Marthe, Idrissa Diop, Hanitra Ranaivo, Silo Andrianandraina, and Jaojoby Eusèbe. He was invited by Joe Zawinul to play at his concert at the Parc Floral Paris 2002, although he could not honor the invitation.

Since 2004, he has lived and performed in Madagascar, where he created his own band, the 'Vatomanga Band' who appeared for the first time in a quartet form during the Madajazzcar Festival 2005, and has gradually enlarged to a septet since 2010. In 2011, the band took the name of MadaJazz.

Biography

Early life and musical education in Madagascar

Nicolas Vatomanga started with a classical music education from age four at the National Center for Music education (CNEM) in Antananarivo, Madagascar. He has been tought by Mrs Alisera and Seta Ramaroson Andrianary (flutist, saxophonist and composer), both nationally known to be excellent teachers.^[3] Having chosen the flute as his first instrument, Vatomanga continued deepening of this instrument with the same master, Seta, at the Cercle Germano-Malagasy (CGM) of Antananarivo.

Precocious child, he composed on the piano from age eight, and played frequently in classical concerts (NCCM, CGM) since his ten. His mother, he claimed, had a great influence on his tastes and his passion for music: classical music, blues, gospel and traditional malagasy music (such as the hira gasy, the Kalon'ny Fahiny, Ny Antsaly, Rakotozafy and Rakoto Frah in particular), she learned to play valiha (the Malagasy bamboo zither) when he started on flute^{[citation needed]}.

First steps in Jazz

At age fourteen, at the invitation of Seta Ramaroson, Vatomanga attended a concert given by the American saxophonist and flutist] of Caribbean origin, TK Blue (Talib Kibwe). This experience was a revelation for him. Following the concert, he learned on the flute, from ear and by heart, the theme and the solo of "Pinnacle of Joy" ^[4] of the album Egyptian Oasis (1987) of the American jazzmen. He, therefore, decided to learn the saxophone and this new form of expression for him: the improvised music. His Mentor, Seta Ramaroson, also a jazz saxophonist ^[5] tought him the basics of jazz, especially : harmonization of improvisation.

Also encouraged by Silo Andrianandraina (also a young Malagasy jazzman), his great friend of the second class in high school, Vatomanga listened and explored the world of jazz fundamentals, particularly through the works of "" Bird "Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, George Shearing, Oscar Peterson, Sonny Rollins, Stan Getz, Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Joe Zawinul, and John Coltrane. This last will be of a great influence on his playing. Also sensitive to his African roots, he listened to the South African jazz, including: the singer Miriam Makeba, the trumpeter and singer Hugh Masekela and pianist Bheki Mseleku.^[6]

At age fifteen, he began practicing for the first time the saxophone in a band with "Solomiral", a jazz fusion band of Antananarivo, then the "Toty Band" –yet informal at that time - and a more traditional playing music group from Southern Madagascar: "Tsimihole". In 1992, he participated – at age seventeen - to his first Madajazzcar Festival, accompanied by an informal group created for the occasion.^[7]

Bassist Olver "Toty" Andriamampianina will be the second Vatomanga Mentor. Seta and Toty provided him constant encouragements to pursue a musical career. Throughout the years of his BSc diploma, he attended the “Jazz Club of Mahamasina”, founded by Sammy Andriamanoro, a jazz pianist and composer.^[8] Sammy became his Mentor and taught him one year the art of standards.

His BSc in pocket in 1993, Vatomanga enrolled in Mathematics at the University of Aix-Marseille III (France) and successfully completed courses for two years, while pationately continuing his daily practice of the saxophone. In 1994 he passed the entrance examination at the “Conservatoire d'Aix-en-Provence” where he studied jazz for a year, alongside his mathematical studies. During this period, he met Alain "Belain" Rabeson - cousin of drummer Tony Rabeson.

Bassist, drummer and jazz teacher, Alain Rabeson invited him to play in his Bossa & Samba band and at the same time, he lavishes on numerous boards of both practical and theoretical. Accompanied on drums by "Belain", he succeeded in 1995 the entrance to Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional de Marseille – jazz section - where he studied for one year.

Always under the coaching of "Belain", he succeeded in 1996 the entrance to the American School of Modern Music of Paris (appendix of Berklee College of Music of Boston, MA) where he looped the course in three years instead of five, having skipped two grades. There, he deepened the art of composition, of arrangement, and conducting. Out in the fifth year, he received a scholarship to pursue a final year at Berklee (Boston). He finally declinef the prize. It was at this school he met Lionel Loueke, also a graduate of the American School. It was also at this period that he met the musicologist specializing in Madagascar: Victor Randrianary.^[9]

Early career in Europe in Africa: Jazz and World Music (1999-2004)

Along with his musical studies in Paris, the young saxophonist is invited to play in the trio of drummer Tony Rabeson and the trumpeter Eric Le Lann ^[10] with whom he played for the first time in Duc des Lombards in 1998. These exchanges with Tony Rabeson, his fifth mentor, round off his musical practice. During this same period, he often has occasion to make Jam Session with Serge and Nivo Rahoerson in the restaurant's Jazz Club 'The Arbuci’ at St. Germain in the “Quartier Latin”. He also happened to play with bassist Sylvain Marc.

Following his musical studies, over a period of five years from 1999 and 2004, he pursued a sideman career in various international world of jazz and world music.

In terms of world jazz, he met in Paris guitarist "Solorazaf" Solo Razafindrakoto, then lead guitar of Miriam Makeba since 1986.^[11] Thus he accompanied the South African singer and attend his concert in the Olympia in 2000.^[12] He also worked with the Malagasy singer Hanitra, and accompanied her at the Jazz à Vannes 2000 Festival.^[13] He then became a sideman in the group Mossan of Mokhtar Samba with whom he performed at the Nice Jazz Festival 2001 and participated under the name "Nicolas Rakoto" in his album Dounia (released in 2005) along with Regis Gizavo.

In the field of world music, Vatomanga accompanied various international Malagasy and African leaders, such as Clement "Kilema" Randrianantoandro-with whom he recorded the album Ka Malisa ^[14] (1999), Justin Vali, Eric Manana, Regis Gizavo and Rakoto Frah. Along with it, he participated in a series of recordings that will lead to the albums Chants et Dances en Imerina (2000),^[15] and Madagascar: Pays Merina (2001).^[16] This work will be the last album recordings of Rakoto Frah before his death in 2001. Vatomanga went, then, with the Senegalese singer Idrissa Diop during a tour in Dakar by whom he discovered the Senegal and its music. He also appears in the album Fanamby (2001) ^[17] of valiha player Germain "Rajery" Randrianarisoa. Finally, Vatomanga is, along with bassist Julio Rakotonanahary, one of the founding members of the group Wa Zimba with whom he recorded the album Mande Wazy^[18] (2003).

Open to all forms of artistic expression, he made friends in Paris with the renowned sculptor and composer Jonny "R'afa" Andriamanankoavy,^[19] with whom he recorded some of the compositions of the latter ^[20] - the same way he became acquainted with the writer Michèle Rakotoson with whom he also often collaborated.^[21]

Back to the Malagasy roots (2004 –today)

In 2004, motivated by the desire to live in the heart of the musical atmosphere of Madagascar, Vatomanga decided to move to Antananarivo. Since then, he visited all the music of the Great Island, from North to South, playing in numerous local bands of all genres, from traditional music to the merger, even variety, but never without denying his origins : the improvised music.

During his numerous inland travels, Vatomanga has, so far, played and recorded with musicians and groups such as diverse as: Silo Andrianandraina (jazz & world jazz), Jaojoby Eusèbe (salegy) that he had accompanied on the albumAza Arianao (2001),^[22] Ghomy Rahamefy (free jazz),^[23] Solo Andrianasolo (jazz & world jazz), Fanja Andriamanantena (jazz & world jazz), Jackie Ralph (world jazz), "Hajazz" Haja Rasolomahatratra (world jazz), Fanaiky Rasolomahatratra (world jazz) he accompanied in the album Melo Gasy (2008)^[24] and Goma (2011),^[25] Hazolahy (Music South East), or the Social Fusion Group (world jazz) and Rajery (world).

Nicolas Vatomanga also participated, along with a dozen Malagasy jazzmen, in the recording of the album Malagasy Jazz Social Club: Mada In Blue (2008) ^[26] -initiated by Boussat and Arly Rajaobelina - in which he presented two of his compositions.

Vatomanga as bandleader

In 2005, Vatomanga created the "Vatomanga Band", with whom he appeared regularly in Jazz Clubs and, annually, at the Madajazzcar International Festival.^[27] Through his band, he has trained some very young Malagasy musicians to practice Jazz and modern music in general, advocating a completely open mind to all contemporary forms, while giving great importance to listening, writing and deepening of the traditional structures of the rich music of the Great Island.

The band also has a role of developer and / or promoter of young talents, now recognized by the Malagasy musical scene: one can cite the example of young jazz pianist Mahatozo Ravelonjaka, who joined the group after winning the First National Jazz Contest organized by Malagasy Jazz Radio RLI in 2005 at age 23. The same goes for young jazz guitarist Joel “Rabesl” Rabesolo,^[28] who also attended the group after winning the same competition in 2006.^[29]

The band is, finally, for all his young members, a place for progressive development of their own musical style, allowing them to deepen their compositions and testing them in a constant dialogue with the public.

In 2011, Vatomanga and his group, in collaboration with the writer Michèle Rakotoson, were actively involved in the creation of the "Slam Jazz Project ",^[30] a new art form which combines improvised poem (Slam) with the improvised music (Jazz). The same year, the Vatomanga Septet took the new name of MadaJazz.

Members of the Vatomanga Band since 2005

• 2005 to 2007: "Vatomanga Quartet" : Mahatozo Ravelonjaka (keyboard), Henintsoa Andriamasimanana (bass), Miora Rabarisoa (drums) and Nicolas Vatomanga (soprano, alto, and tenor saxophone; sodina flute ).
• 2008 to 2009: "Vatomanga Quintet": Joel “Rabesl” Rabesolo (guitar), Mahatozo Ravelonjaka (keyboard), Miora Rabarisoa (drums), Henintsoa Andriamasimanana (bass), and Nicolas Vatomanga (soprano / alto / tenor sax, flute sodina) .
• 2010: "Vatomanga Septet": Joel "Rabesl" Rabesolo (guitar), Mahatozo Ravelonjaka (keyboard), Miora Rabarisoa (drums), Henintsoa Andriamasimanana (bass), Ludovic (bass), Kim's (keyboard), Andriantiana "Nata" Andrianantenaina (trumpet), and Nicolas Vatomanga (soprano / alto / tenor, flute sodina).
• 2011: The Septet became "MadaJazz", with: Joël "Rabesl" Rabesolo (guitar), Miora Rabarisoa (drums), Mika "Kim's" Rajaonarivelo (bass), Ludovic "Dovs" Rakotondraina (keyboard), Andriantiana "Nata" Andrianantenaina (trumpet), Laurent Amouric (percussion), and Nicolas Vatomanga (soprano/alto/tenor sax, sodina flute) (featuring : Panayotis Dourantonis, congas, for the Slam Jazz Projekt)

Quotes

• "Music is a great journey during which you are in a constant discovery." (Interview on Jazz Radio RLI)
• "Jazz music in Madagascar is still perceived both hermetic and elitist: it is a misappropriation of the spirit of jazz itself." (Interview on nocomment)

Discography

Jazz

Collective album

• 2008: Malagasy Jazz Social Club: In Mada Blue(CD) - Harmonia Mundi
• 2009: SocialFusion - Social Group Production

With Mokhtar Samba

• 2005: Dounia- O + Music

With Julio Rakotonanahary

• 2003: Mande Wazy- Tynda

With Fanaiky Rasolomahatratra

• 2007: MeloGasy - Fan Prod
• 2011: Goma- Fan Prod

With Fanja Andriamanantena

• 2009: No. Isika Miaraka Mo ^ ik Tsotra izao

With Silo Andrianandraina

• 2001: Rimorimo- tysa

Opus unprecedented

• 2000: Redalandy - Opus unprecedented

Public Records

• 2005: Vorompotsy(with Mahatozo Ravelonjaka) - Radio RLI
• 2008: Elatra - Radio RLI
• 2009: Maraindraina- Radio RLI

World Music

With Rakoto Frah

• 2000: Songs and Dances in Imerina- Arion Music Label
• 2001: MadagascarMerina Country - Ocora Radio France

With Jaojoby Eusèbe

• 2001: Aza Arianao- Blue Label

With Kilema

• 1999: KaMalisa - Iris Music Label

With Rajery

• 2001: Fanamby- Blue Label - Indigo

Filmography

As a musician and / or interviewed

• 2009: Malagasy Jazz Social Club: In Mada Blue (DVD) - Harmonia Mundi
• 2009: Madagascar: generation jazz (T. Rasoanaivo documentary film)
• 2010: Madajazzcar 2008 - Digital Development Communication

References

1. ^ Clairefeuille Sylvie, "The sodina" Afrisson,May 12, 2007
2. ^ "Death of flutist Rakoto Frah" inLiberation, "Culture", October 3, 2001, daily [1]
3. ^ Seta Ramaroson is an active and open minded International music teacher, as here in Tanzania [2]
4. ^ Pinnacle of Joy
5. ^ Annick Sedson, "Seta Ramaroson duet with Raphael Sudan", in thenew, August 16, 2011 [3]
6. ^ "Bheki Mseleku, South African Jazz Pianist," in The Independent, 16 September 2008, daily
7. ^ [4]
8. ^ Anjara Rasoanaivo, "Sammy Andriamanoro: a musical genius full of humility" in Midi Madagasikara 'August 7, 2009, daily [5]
9. ^ Victor Randrianary
10. ^ According to his biography, Eric Le Lann played in trio with Tony and Rabeson Cesarius Alvim in 1993 [6]
11. ^ Solorazaf winning. Midi Madagasikara. February 24, 2011 [7]
12. ^ "Miriam Makeba: the grande dame at the Olympia "in Afrik.com,May 27, 2000 [8]
13. ^ "Vannes Jazz Festival", in The Telegram, Brest, 7 August 2000
14. ^ Ka Malisa
15. ^ Songs and Dances in Imerina
16. ^ Madagascar: Pays Merina (Merina Country)
17. ^ Fanamby
18. ^ Mande Wazy
19. ^ Hram, "Jonny R'afa: an artist rediscovered" in MadagascarTribune, October 20, 2007, daily 2461.html
20. ^ RAFA and Vatomanga
21. ^ Ratsara D., "Rakotoson-Vatomanga in symbiosis", In L'Express de Madagascar, June 7, 2011
22. ^ Aza Arianao
23. ^ "Trio Rahamefy G.-N. Vatomanga-M. Fiaindratovo" in Koolsaina,March 23, 2005 [9]
24. ^ Melo Gasy
25. ^ Goma
26. ^ Mada In Blue
27. ^ Daddy R. Rindra & R., "19 ^th Madajazzcar: The Young Won", in MadagascarTribune, October 9, 2008, daily [10]
28. ^ "Joel Rabesolo trio" in CCW, February 4, 2011 [11]
29. ^ "Jazz in Madagascar: a half century", in Music,Madagascar, 2010
30. ^ "Slamjazz Projekt: words and music in combination" inThe 'Express de Madagascar, March 28, 2011

External links

• Official website
• Nicolas Vatomanga at Madajazzcar (Report)
• Radio Echos of Capricorn (Interview)
• Biography on nocomment
• "19th Madajazzcar: The Island of Jazz", in Jazz magazine, number 599, January 2009, page 12

Persondata
Name	Vatomanga, Nicolas
Alternative names	Rakotovao, Nicolas Vatomanga
Short description	Saxophonist, composer, and bandleader
Date of birth	1975
Place of birth	Ambatomanga, Antananarivo, Madagascar
Date of death
Place of death