Sélène is an Afro-French contrabassist, singer, poet and composer with Caribbean and West African origins. She studied with internationally acclaimed bassists Ron Carter and Lonnie Plaxico as well as saxophonist, conceptualist Steve Coleman. Sélène lately received a “Victoire du Jazz 2021” award in the “Rising star” category for her highly acclaimed first record "Mare Undarum". Her second recording, "Potomitan", out in March 2022 is already esteemed by the international press.
Sometimes, Sélène takes some time off of touring for ongoing research and musical studies. She is currently a 'composer in residence' at Tropiques Atrium in Martinique and one of the 2022 Villa Albertine laureate in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Sélène has also built a non-profit alongside Martinican percussionist Boris Reine-Adélaïde called Afropolis that aims to promote and develop the practice of traditional music from Martinique.
Her touring projects are:
Trio: Boris Reine-Adélaïde (bèlè drum) & Rafael Aguila Arteaga (tenor sax)
Quintet: with Hermon Mehari (trumpet), Irving Acao (tenor sax), Sonny Troupé (drums/ka), Boris Reine-Adélaïde (bèlè drum)
Awesome video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJNnE5l1jNI
Website: https://www.selenesaintaime.com/press-potomitan
Review: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/feb/25/selene-saint-aime-potomitan-review-caribbean-jazz
SÉLÈNE SAINT-AIMÉ QUARTET (also Trio available)
Line Up
Sélène Saint-Aimé, acoustic bass, vocals
Hermon Mehari, trumpet
Irving Acao, tenor saxophone
Boris Reine-Adélaïde, bèlè drum
Hermon Mehari, trumpet
Irving Acao, tenor saxophone
Boris Reine-Adélaïde, bèlè drum
LISTEN
Tourdates
01.11.2023 tourstart
09.11.2023 MONTPELLIER/France (quintet)
15.11.2023 GENK/Belgium (Quartet)
30.11.2023 tourend