Duo AYA – Cycles

The marimba and the flute form a duo with a great potential for evocative versatility. From Japan to Brazil, via Africa and Western folklore, anything is possible through the marriage of lyricism (flute) and popular rhythms (marimba). What’s more, the “woody” sound of the marimba lends it an aura of authenticity and traditionalism.

The AYA Duo (“bright colours” in Japanese) is made up of Rachel Woolf on flute and Makana Jimbu on marimba, two musicians who met at the University of North Texas. The entire repertoire of this cinematic programme is inspired by motifs, dances, melodies, landscapes or any other element of a country or culture, ranging from Brazil to Japan, via Cuba, Africa, Bali and even interstellar space.

None of the pieces is overtly avant-garde or experimental. On the contrary, we’re immersed here in accessible, colourful universes evocative of attractive panoramas, anchored in luminous tones, even in minor mode. Excellent technical and sensory performances from the two performers. Immerse yourself in pleasures dressed with simplicity, which nonetheless conceals solid musical expressiveness and refinement.