Ha Noi Duo Nguyên Lê & Ngo Hong Quang

• 1 Cloud Chamber 05:40
• 2 Five Senses 04:55
• 3 Like Mountain Birds 06:23
• 4 A Night with You, Gone 07:02
• 5 The Graceful Seal 06:44
• 6 Heaven's Gourd 05:57
• 7 Chiec Khan Pieu 06:24
• 8 Monkey Queen 05:47
• 9 Beggar's Love Song 05:43
• 10 Silently Grows the Rice 03:37
• Total Runtime 58:12

Info for Ha Noi Duo

Nguyên Lê's new album, which will be released on ACT on January 2017 features a new collaboration - Hà Nôi Duo - with Ngô Hồng Quang.

Nguyên Lê defines what lies at the heart of this collaboration: “Ngô Hồng Quang and I are two Vietnamese musicians whose upbringing and musical education and evolution could not have followed more different paths. And yet we have found that we both share common goals: to express and to share the soul of Vietnam with the wider world, to bring together the roots and the future of Vietnamese music. Vietnam as a country is evolving so fast and so brilliantly, its population is full of so much youthful vigour, curiosity, and a deep hunger to learn everything possible from the West. But at the same time, many people feel a vital need never to forget the past.”

“In this album we - as musicians - live through those paradoxes. The album shows the diversity of what Vietnamese music can be today. Like the country itself, this album aspires to be colourful, plural and moving. We want to excite the ear and engage the intellect – and to bring the listener closer to the soul of Vietnam.”

“Quang is a great example of what I would call the 'traditional musicians of today.' Virtuosos from elsewhere who carry & embody the tradition of their country at its deepest level. But because they are young, they are also impressively open. They want to share their identity with the whole world, to learn from the West without denying their past. They can play contemporary music on their traditional instruments. They can integrate into new musical situations while remaining themselves. Being modern doesn't replace tradition, but brings tradition to a new level of liveliness.”

This is Nguyên Lê's 18th album in the role of either leader or co-leader and a continuation & development of several previous CDs on ACT: five albums about Vietnam, recorded with traditional singer Huong Thanh, TALES FROM VIET-NAM (1996), MOON & WIND (1999), DRAGONFLY (2001), MANGUSTAO (2004) et FRAGILE BEAUTY (2007); the meeting of traditional music virtuosos around an 'Asia without borders' concept, SAIYUKI (2009); HOMESCAPE (2006), the intimate experience of a duo transcended by home-studio magic & the re-composition process over spontaneous improvisations.

Nguyên Lê explains more of the background: “With this 'Asia without borders' concept in mind, it seemed obvious to me that I should invite back my partners, my musical brothers & sisters, from those previous two albums.”

“So, what an absolute pleasure to welcome back the grace of Japanese koto player Mieko Miyazaki, the rhythmic intelligence of Indian tabla player Prabhu Edouard as well as the supreme melodic gifts of Sardinian trumpet playerPaolo Fresu!”

“My previous 'Vietnamese' records with Huong Thanh were different from this new one. They were very much based on re-written traditional songs. This was music I wanted to share, but in a way that would chime with western ears. After nearly fifty tunes handled this way, the emphasis has now shifted. These are personal, original compositions, but they are also written as a in a way that extends and prolongs our combined musical heritage.”

About the individual tracks, Nguyên Lê writes: In my tune “Five Senses,” a melody written by a jazzman is performed and becomes transformed by the timbres and accents of traditional Asian instruments. “Tình đàn,” is written by Quang, inspired by the Tày mountain minorities, and is tinged with new colours by my North African-sounding acoustic guitar, which reaches back to “Maghreb & Friends”, recorded in 1998.

“Monkey Queen” is another tune of mine, written during the Monkey Têt. Here, two sorts of Đàn Bầu (monocorde) single-stringed instruments are conversing with each other: the opening of the piece is an improvisation on electric guitar with the bent harmonics technique that I learnt in Hà Nôi in 1979; the other is the real Vietnamese traditional instrument, playing a non-traditional melody, later performed on vocals.

“Chiếc Khăn Piêu,” written by Doãn Nho in the 70's, is dressed with a new arrangement in 5 beats (Vietnamese music is always in 2 or 4 beats!) & with an Indian rhythm orchestration, co-written with Prabhu Edouard.

“Muc Ha Vô Nhân,” is a song in the northern Xẩm style, from wandering blind beggars music from 14th century. Here it finds a new Blues brother, this one being surely more North American.

Summing up this album, Nguyên Lê writes: “In this new Hà Nôi Duo, each of our identities stays strong and individual, but each of us also approaches the collaboration with a complete openness of spirit, the desire to soak up and enrich the whole with intricate subtlety. At any moment, this music will raise numerous questions. Is it Vietnamese? Or jazz? Or traditional music, blues, African, Indian... is it written - or is it improvised?”

“Like threads of silk, cultures from yesterday and today weave a complex and diverse beauty. That complexity and diversity are part of the essence of the country of Vietnam, with its millennial roots, its tormented past and future full of hope. They also take us to the heart of life itself .”

Nguyên Lê, guitars & programming
Ngô Hồng Quang, vocals, Vietnamese fiddle, monocorde, lute & jew’s harp
Paolo Fresu, trumpet & flugelhorn
Mieko Miyazaki, koto
Prabhu Edouard, tablas, kanjira & pocket shaker

Produced, recorded & mixed by Nguyên Lê at studio Louxor, Paris Barbès from April to August 2016
Mastered by Bruno Gruel at Elektra Mastering
Executive Producer: Siggi Loch

Nguyên Lê
Born in Paris from vietnamese parents, Nguyên Lê began to play drums at the age of 15, then took up guitar & electric bass. After graduating in Visual Arts, he majored in Philosophy, writing a thesis on Exoticism. Then he devoted to music, creating "ULTRAMARINE"(1983), a multi-ethnic band whose CD "DÉ" has been considered "1989's best World Music album" Philippe Conrath, Libération.

A self-taught musician, Nguyên Lê started to play out of any stylistic borders: Rock & Funk (Jim Cuomo, Madagascar 84), Jazz standards & avant-garde Jazz (Marc Ducret, Yves Robert), Pop Singers (Ray Charles), Contemporary Music (André Almuro, Tona Scherchen, Marius Constant, Mauricio Kagel), Ethnic Music: African & Caribbean with ULTRAMARINE (85), Algerian with Safy Boutella & Cheb Mami, Indian with Kakoli, Turkish with Kudsi Erguner, Vietnamese with the learning of "Dan Bau" (monocorde) in 1979.

In sept. 87 he was chosen by director Antoine Hervé to play with the O. N. J. (French National Jazz Orchestra). Within this big band, he played with such musicians as Johnny Griffin, Louis Sclavis, Didier Lockwood, Carla Bley, Steve Swallow, Randy Brecker, Toots Thielemans, Courtney Pine, Steve Lacy, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Gil Evans, Quincy Jones. Nguyên LE' s work also deals with programming synthetizers, effects & computers as well as writing orchestral pieces : "PROCESSOR" composed, arranged & recorded on CD "O.N.J. 87" & "LUNIK II" co-arranged with Dominique Borker & performed by the O.N.J. 1989. In sept. 89 he records ULTRAMARINE's 2nd album "DÉ" &, in may 90, his first album as a leader : "MIRACLES" recorded in the U.S.A. with Art LANDE, Marc JOHNSON & Peter ERSKINE. At the same time he works with such musicians as Michel Portal, Miroslav Vitous, Trilok Gurtu, J. F. Jenny Clarke, Aldo Romano, Daniel Humair, Dewey Redman, Andy Emler, Jon Christensen, Nana Vasconcelos, Glenn Ferris, Christof Lauer, Paolo Fresu, Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor ...

In may 92, after a month tour with Paul McCANDLESS on winds, Art Lande (p), Dean Johnson (b) & Joël Allouche (d), he records his 2nd album ZANZIBAR, which gets the « ffff » award by Télérama. In Jan. 93 he records "INIT", a trio with André Ceccarelli, François Moutin & guest Bob Berg, while setting up a new band on the music of Jimi Hendrix, w/ Corin Curschellas (voc), Steve Argüelles (d), Richard Bona (b). Since Jan. 93 he's been a frequent guest soloist of Köln's WDR Big band, especially with composer/director Vince MENDOZA. Nguyên Lê plays on three of his projects: "Jazzpaña", "Sketches" w/ Dave LIEBMAN, Charlie MARIANO, Peter Erskine, & "Downtown", w/ Russell Ferrante. In April 94 he’s the guest soloist of "The New Yorker", a suite by Bob BROOKMEYER, with Dieter Ilg (b) & Danny Gottlieb (d). With these two musicians he set his first trio, & recorded "MILLION WAVES" in dec. 94. About this CD, Télérama writes : "This trio brings him to some musical spaces which he had not even imagined, & which are pure poetry".

In the meantime, he's playing in trio with Michel Benita(b) & Peter Erskine, recording on Michel Portal's new album with Ralph TOWNER (g), & working with Ornette COLEMAN on one of his contemporary music pieces, "Freedom Statue". In June 95 he's invited by WDR BigBand in "Azure Moon", with the YELLOWJACKETS & Vince Mendoza. In July 95, in Stuttgart Festival, he's one of the guest guitar players to celebrate the "Universe of Jimi Hendrix", besides Trilok Gurtu, Terry BOZZIO, Cassandra WILSON, Jack BRUCE, Vernon REID, David TORN, Victor BAILEY, Pharoah SANDERS... Recently he has been playing with John McLaughlin, Michel Petrucianni, Markus Stockhausen, Enrico Rava, Ray Anderson, Kenny Wheeler, John Taylor, Dave Douglas, Wolfgang Pushnig, Uri Caine, Tigran Hamasyan, Herbie Hancock, John Scofield, Joe Lovano...

In April 96, Nguyên Lê creates "Tales from Viêt-Nam", a project on Vietnamese music, with a 8-piece band blending jazz & traditional musicians. With stage director P. J. San Bartolomé, he starts " Of the Moon & the Wind ", a complete show where traditional & contemporary vietnamese dancers are integrated to the "Tales from Viêt-Nam" orchestra. The CD has received a great welcoming from international critics : Diapason d'Or, Choc du Monde de la Musique, Choc of Year 1996 Jazzman, 2nd best CD 96 for JAZZTHING (Germany), Best CD 96 on radio TRS 2 (CH), "a minor masterpiece" JAZZTIMES (USA).

On 4/97 Nguyên Lê releases his 5th CD, " 3 Trios", with Marc Johnson/ Peter Erskine, Dieter Ilg/ Danny Gottlieb & Renaud Garçia Fons/ Mino Cinelu. JAZZIZ Magazine USA says : « At times, jazz guitar can sound staid - but not in the case of N. Lê. He’s forever breaking boundaries for our benefit ». He has recorded 2 Cds with Paolo Fresu’s quartet : « Angel » (2/98) & « Metamorfosi » (4/99). On 5/98, 6th N. Lê record : « Maghreb & Friends », an exploration of Maghreb musical traditions & a deep collaboration with Algerian musicians. « Far from a false world music, N. Lê simply touches, with force & intensity, to universality » F. Medioni. N. Lê produced the 1rst CD of Huong Thanh, « Moon & Wind », entirely done in his home studio. He also has been nominated for the « Victoires de la Musique 1999 » award. His last CD, « BAKIDA », based on his regular trio with Renaud Garçia Fons (b) & Tino di Geraldo (perc, dr) plus guests from all over the world like Kudsi Erguner, Chris Potter, Carlos Benavent... This CD has been voted "best jazz album of the year" by "CD Compact" (Spain). ELB, a new trio CD has just been recorded in Rainbow studios, Oslo, with Peter Erskine & Michel Benita. He's touring with Terri Lyne Carrington's band, with Geri Allen, Matt Garrison & Gary Thomas & plays with Maria Schneider.

Sept 2002 : 2nd CD of Huong Thanh « Dragonfly ». In june 2002 he's invited by the Metropole Orchestra (NL) to play his music arranged by Vince Mendoza. « Purple », an album celebrating Jimi Hendrix is released in sept 2002. In sept 2002 it's n° 1 on the charts of UK magazine "Jazzwise". Today it's N. Lê's most successful album, with 20 500 CD sales & non stop touring all over the world. "Mangustao", Huong Thanh's 3rd album, released in jan. 2004, is awarded as "Choc de la Musique" by french magazine "Le Monde de la Musique". In March 2005 release of "Walking on the Tiger's Tail", new album with his great friends Art Lande, Paul McCandless & Jamey Haddad “A universe where the alliance between acoustic and electric, improvisation and writing, inner delicacy and virtuosic expressivity reach the ideal balance.”(Le Monde).

Several projects were built in 2006 : the score writing of "Le Sheitan", a movie by Kim Chapiron with Vincent Cassel, & « Homescape », a very electronic, improvised & mystical recording in duo with Paolo Fresu & Dhafer Youssef, all done at home, #1 in « Jazzwise » april 2006 charts; the score for the Vietnamese movie "Saigon Eclipse" by Othello Khanh; the recording of "Mozart" last Uri Caine's album; a 13-gig tour in USA with "Tiger's Tail" quartet, thanks to a CMA/FACE grant; two "classical" compositions commissioned by the Ahn Trio & the Laguna Beach Fest in LA. Nguyên Lê was unanimously awarded as the guitar "Django d'Or" 2006.

In 2007, after tours in US & China, he releases "Fragile Beauty", the 4th album with Huong Thanh «Simply an album that captures the heart from the first note and leaves it hungering for more as the last one fades» (All That Jazz). In 2008 he records "The Othello Syndrome" for Uri Caine, "Blauklang" for Vince Mendoza's & also « Dream Flight » a new ELB album, with guest Stéphane Guillaume on sax. A new album comes out in oct 2009: SAIYUKI, an asian trio with Mieko Miyazaki (koto) & Prabhu Edouard (tablas) & special guest Hariprasad Chaurasia (flute). He’s the mixing engineer & co-producer of Dhafer’s Youssef «Abu Nawas Rhapsody», Céline Bonacina’s «Way of Life» & Mario Canonge «Mitan». «Signature Edition», a double-CD album showing 20 years of music creation has been released by ACT in march 2010. AllAboutJazz will say: «the ample evidence of an artist whose voice has been his own from the very beginning». He’s guest soloist on Erkki Sven Tüür’s 5th symphony with Bremen Philarmonic. For the 2nd time Nguyên Lê is the recipient of the CMA/FACE grant which helps the «Saiyuki inviting Rudresh Mahanthappa» project to tour in US in the fall 2010. In 2011 he is awarded by the rank of «Chevalier de l’ordre des Arts & des Lettres» by French Cultural minister & receives the Django Reinhardt prize by French Academie du Jazz. «Ting Ning», excerpt from «Tales from Viet-Nam» (1996) is selected between only 4 european artists in the 6-CD compendium «Jazz: the Simthsonian Anthology».

The album «Songs of Freedom», released in april 2011, is an exotic & eccentric reading of Pop hits from the 70’s with Illya Amar, Linley Marthe, St. Galland & guests Youn Sun Nah, David Linx, Dhafer Youssef, a.o. It has received a fantastic welcoming from international press («Record of the Year» & cover story in Jazzmagazine/Jazzman) & was on top jazz charts of Itunes & Amazon. N. Lê is part of «Nights on Earth», Vince Mendoza’s last album. He takes part of the 1rst International Jazz Day celebration at Unesco with Herbie Hancock. In 2013 he produces the album «Doc Dao» for & with Hanoian singer Tung Duong, with which he receives 3 awards in Vietnam : «Best Song of the Year», «Man of the year» & «Best Show of the Year». In 2014 he releases «Celebrating the Dark Side of the Moon», a very personal version of the famous Pink Floyd’s album, with the NDR Bigband, Youn Sun Nah, Gary Husband & Michael Gibbs’ orchestrations. He is nominated as best international guitarist for the ECHO JAZZ 2015 (German Music Award) besides Bill Frisell & Pat Metheny.

«Hà Nôi Duo», Nguyên Lê’s 16th album will be released in Jan. 2017. This duo was born in the meeting with traditional musician Ngo Hong Quang with the goal of expressing & sharing with the world the soul of Vietnam, and bringing together the roots and the future of Vietnamese music.

Ngô Hồng Quang
Over the years, Ngô Hồng Quang and his magical Đàn Nhị have attracted audiences not only in Vietnam but also in Thailand, Korea and the Netherlands. Born and brought up in a village in Hai Duong in the north of Vietnam, at the age of eleven Quang began to learn how to play the Nhị and soon fell in love with it. The instrument has become his companion until today. At the Hanoi Conservatory, he also studied and played Đàn Bầu, a unique Vietnamese instrument with only one string. In addition to the Nhị and Bầu, Quang is a very skillful player of Đàn Tính, Đàn Môi (Jews harp) and Đàn Tre (a modified version of K’ny). Quang is also a good singer, he is famous for a number of Dân ca (folksongs) and the song Tiếng Việt. Some of the songs that Quang composed such as Đêm cuối cùng của mùa Đông, (Ma Làng TV series drama), Tìm Hà Nội, Đàn Cò and Con Cóc Cóc Con are popular now.

At the moment, Quang follows his passion in teaching, composing and playing Vietnamese traditional music around the globe.

During his trips, Quang did learn new music Composition with teachers and friends in Amsterdam Conservatory of music in The Netherlands.

Booklet for Ha Noi Duo