Mina Agossi
Biography Mina Agossi
Mina Agossi
was born in France in 1972 to French and West African parents. She studied in many different countries, including Niger, Morocco, and France. After graduating in theater, in 1990, Mina continued to travel, spending time in both the US and Spain, before 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 professional singer.
1993 saw Mina on the move again - this time only as far as Brittany, where she was recruited by a Swing & New Orleans jazz band. This was her first taste of success, as very quickly the band was regularly gigging both in France and across the channel in Ireland.
Mina found herself increasingly interested in, and attracted to, modern Jazz. The result of this was an album co-created with a double bass player in 1995. Comprising 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. This gave her the chance to develop her skills through two special master classes, one in Boston with Sheela Jordan, and the other in France with Jeanne Lee. These experiences helped Mina mature as a singer, and enabled her to take her voice in the unique direction that makes her so distinguishable now.
After moving to Paris, Mina teamed up with drummer Philippe Combelle, with whom she produced her second album, “Alkemi” in 2001. This CD 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.
By this time people were really starting to take notice of this little lady with the huge voice, and offers started flooding in for Mina to sing with other bands. She regularly performs with the likes of Adam Pieronscyk “Amos”, Spirit of Life Ensemble, Mukta, and Archie Shepp.
Just after the attacks of September 11- 2001, “E-Zpass to Brooklyn” was recorded by Mina, live in Brooklyn. This album saw her heading deeper down the self-forged path of her by now 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. Still backed by Alex Hiele and Bertrand Perrin, Mina's latest album “Zaboom!!” was released in May 2005.
Earlier this year Mina won the award for ‘Best Newcomer’ at The 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. She is now preparing to launch her album Zaboum!! in the US in January 2006.
In March 2006 Mina will be releasing her second album on Candid in the UK. “Well You Needn't”, with Alex Hièle and drummer Ichiro Onoe, it will feature more of Mina’s creative originals and startling re- interpretations of familiar classics. Her inimitable, fresh approach gives the vocal scene a much-needed push in a brand new direction.
2007.she records at the Jazz standard in NY he first live album “Who wants love”. Legendary Mr Ahmad Jamal decides to be her manager in the USA.
Another CD is done in 2008, one of her best you can hear the fantastic Manolo Badrena on percussion, as well as other musicians such as French young musician, Fred Dupont on the mini moog.
In 2009, she played at the Blue Note New York, and signed a contract with french Label Naive, and opened the band to a 4tet.
In 2010 "Just Like A Lady came out", with Phil Reptil (électro, keyboard, guitar), Bachir Sanogo (percussions), daoud David Williams (percussions), et Andy Narell au Steel Drums. Mina was nominated for the Victories of Jazz event.
In 2011, Mina worked on her new album. It is called Red Eyes, and will be released March 24th, 2012, during a majestic concert at the Trianon in Paris. Mina will invite the great Archie Shepp, who she has shared the stage for years with.
FRESH is the last album (2014 –Plus Loin Music)- Mina, who never ceases to break down barriers, reinventing the music, takes pleasure in this album to blur the boundaries between jazz, pop, rock...
She has a new perspective on her 20 year career, revisits some of her compositions and introduces new multiple influences.
Such as ten previous albums, Mina wished to invite friends, famous artists Alexei Aigui of 4'33 group (Moscow) and the drummer Philippe Combelle.
