Mina Agossi

Mina Agossi was born in France in 1972 to French and West African parents. Mina, throughout her early years, was drawn to two things; the love of the stage and following in her mother's footsteps, a love of travel. This passion led to her studying theatre in many different countries, including Niger, Morocco and France.

After graduating in 1990, Mina continued to travel, spending time in both the US and Spain, before eventually returning to France in 1992.Once back home Mina found herself singing the blues as a favour for a friend, who was a saxophonist. The experience changed her life; so much so she immediately knew she was to become a singer.Mina found herself increasingly interested in modern Jazz, which resulted in an album co-created with a double bass player in 1995. Comprising of original co-written tunes and using no wind, brass or keyboard instruments; this album marked the beginning of the development of a very personal style “Voice & Bass”- that would stay with her right up until the present day. In 1997 the CD won the prize of “Young Self-Produced Talents” from the French organisation FNAC.After moving to Paris, Mina teamed up with drummer Philippe Combelle, with whom she produced her second album, “Alkemi” in 2001. This album won critical acclaim and received a Five Star review in classical magazine “Diapason”, as well as special recognition in Jazz Magazine.After “Alkemi”, Mina created a new band with instrumental masters Alexandre Hiele on the double bass and Bertrand Perrin on drums. With this line up Mina found great success continually touring Europe and the US with new, original compositions and her own re-working of standards. Offers started to flood in for her to perfom with other bands. She regularly performs with the likes of Adam Pieronscyk “Amos”, Spirit of Life Ensemble, Mukta and Archie Shepp.In the fall of 2001, “E-Zpass to Brooklyn” was recorded by Mina, live in Brooklyn. This album saw her heading deeper down the self-forged path that is now a charming facet of her unique sound. With imitations of free jazz sax solos and scratching in the microphone, Mina mixes many different musical styles, from Hip-hop to World to Jazz, Blues, Rock, throwing them around, often when least expected. Then a second CD appeared “Carrousel“ with the same trio.In 2004 Mina Agossi signed to British Jazz label Candid Records, and immediately made a massive impact with performances during the Candid Jazz Week in London. Mina's first CANDID record “Zaboum!!” was released in May of 2004.Mina won the award for 'Best Newcomer' at the prestigious Adami Awards (an industry awards ceremony held in France) which led her to be booked at the Vienne Jazz Festival 2005 supporting the legendary Oscar Peterson. Another accomplishment was her interpretation of "Beauty and the Beast" for the Lyon Opera House which she was commissioned to write in the spring.Mina continues to take the jazz vocal scene in a brand new and exciting direction with every performance she gives!During 2005 Mina’s appeal in Europe grow to new heights with a memorable performance at the London Jazz Festival which got the attention of many of the other European Jazz Festival promoters. By summer 2006 Mina had headline slots at the Vitoria Jazz Festival (Spain) and Jazz Fest Wien (Austria).“Well You Needn’t” is Mina’s current album which was released back in March to critical acclaim and featured Remi Chaudagne on bass and Ichiro Onoe on drums and sat comfortably in the top 10 Jazz Chart in France.During January 2007 Mina has been invited to perform at the International Association for Jazz Education conference in New York. Upwards of 8,000 educators, musicians, industry executive, media and students from 45 countries will be attending the annual event.Mina’s new record was recorded whilst on tour in the USA during a two night billing at the Jazz Standard, New York City under CANDID Records. Finally, as the year comes to an end, Mina will be touring the UK, Europe as well as the US.IAJE - PRESS RELEASE ON MINA- MINA AGOSSIAfter a successful US tour this Fall, revered French singer Mina Agossi returns to the US in January as she showcases new material from her forthcoming album to audiences at I.A.J.E in New York and performs a public concert at the Knitting Factory on January 10th,Friday, January 12, 2007, at 4:00 PM. The Sutton South - Hilton Hotel 2nd Floor.Mina's distinctive style has made a major impact across Europe with successful sell-out concerts in major cities such as Paris,Brussels and London and following a hugely successful US tour earlier this year, her appeal is broadening at a considerable rate.Mina's new album, due out next spring, was recorded live at the Jazz Standard in New York as part of this tour and she will be offering a sneak preview of this new material during her time in New York next January.“Working with just bass [Eric Jacot] and drums [Ichiro Onoe] gives me the freedom to improvise as I wish, not bound by the chords on the piano”, Mina explains and it's this freedom that allows her to display the entirely fresh and original style that she is becoming known for. Her attack on the genre gives young listeners an avenue into jazz and to the older, diehard fans it offers a refreshing alternative. Put simply, there is no one around at the moment doing what Mina is doing musically and creatively.The darling of the French jazz scene will be entertaining educators, musicians, industry executives, media and students from the world over with a unique show as she performs at the largest annual gathering of the global jazz community, the International Association for Jazz Education conference.The industry needs innovators like this; people are tired with the straight ahead take on the American Songbook and Mina's unique take on standards combined with her highly effective originals provides exciting results. Love it or hate it, either way you will remember it…. a performance not to be missed!!"Acting out each lyric with facial mannerisms and vocal eccentricities that bring to mind performers as compelling as Louis Armstrong, Anita O'Day and Bjork, you can't take your eyes off her.”- THE GUARDIAN, LONDONMina Agossi will be returning to the US next Spring/Summer for another US tour and festival dates to promote her new album.For up to date information please visit www.minaagossi.com.“Well You Needn't”, Mina's current album is sitting comfortably within the top ten jazz album chart in France and has received fantastic reviews from publications such as Elle Magazine and the television and lifestyle magazine Télérama. The record has also received the sought after “CHOC” award from the ever so popular Jazzman magazine. It was also recently declared The Sunday Times 'Jazz album of the Year' - (Clive Davis)
Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor - Image Hosting