Noller/Sylla
NOLLER/SYLLA
Group Bio NOLLER/SYLLA is a New York City based band that brings together traditional West African rhythms and contemporary jazz to create an exciting and accessible mix of pulsing grooves and soaring melodies. Co-led by American jazz drummer Jeremy Noller and Guinean percussionist Mangue Sylla, the group performs high energy arrangements of traditional African songs as well as original compositions inspired by West Africa’s vast musical heritage. Having met in 2006, the two have worked together in a variety of musical settings, and collaborated on Noller’s 2010 album Music Notes. Their current group features an ensemble of some of New York’s top jazz musicians, with Noller on drum set, and Sylla on djembe and sangban. Propelled by Sylla’s electrifying virtuosity and guided by Noller’s unique adaptations of West African rhythm and melody, NOLLER/SYLLA is a one of a kind musical experience. For more information, visit jeremynoller.com
Jeremy Noller Bio With a body of work that spans across many genres, jazz drummer and percussionist Jeremy Noller has proven himself a uniquely adaptable and versatile musician. Since his arrival in New York City in 2003, Jeremy has performed and recorded with a wide array of jazz and world music groups. Originally from Libertyville IL, Jeremy began studying percussion at the age of nine. He graduated with honors from the University of North Florida, went on to complete a master’s degree in jazz studies at the Manhattan School of Music under the tutelage of John Riley, and continued his studies with Carl Allen and Billy Drummond as a graduate of the Juilliard School’s Artist Diploma program. Released in 2010, Jeremy’s debut album Music Notes flows seamlessly through musical landscapes, charting a distinctly accessible intersection between contemporary jazz and traditional West African rhythms. This too is the inspiration for his latest project, NOLLER/SYLLA, a collaboration with Guinean percussionist Mangue Sylla. When not performing, Jeremy is a committed educator, offering private lessons, workshops, and outreach concerts to students throughout NYC. In addition to his own private studio, Jeremy is a faculty teaching artist at the Bloomingdale School of Music, and an adjunct professor at Fordham University. For more information, visit jeremynoller.com
Mangue Sylla Bio An electrifying performer with a keen sense of musicality, West African percussionist Mangue Sylla is a musical force to be reckoned with. Originally from Guinea and now based in New York City, Mangue is well versed in both traditional rhythms as well as contemporary musical styles, and has mastered an array of traditional African instruments. Playing primarily sangban, doundoun, and djembe, he has performed with legendary percussion groups including Les Merveilles de Guinée and Les Ballets Africains. His 2007 debut album, Kon Koura, showcases a traditional West African percussion ensemble performing both folkloric songs and Mangue’s original compositions. His latest project, NOLLER/SYLLA - a collaboration with jazz drummer Jeremy Noller, brings together traditional West African rhythms and contemporary jazz to create an exciting and accessible mix of pulsing grooves and soaring melodies. Mangue teaches and performs regularly throughout the US and serves on the accompanist staff at The Ailey Extension and Barnard College. For more information, visit manguesylla.com
