Shola Adisa-Farrar Florian Pellissier Quintet
Lost Myself

Raised on opposite sides of the Atlantic, these two artists have combined their talents to compose Lost Myself. This musical voyage blends New-York’s hard-bop aesthetics and reggae-inspired elements, with modern jazz, for a fresh spin on classics and original compositions.

Vocalist Shola Adisa-Farrar, a native of Oakland, was born into a family of artists and intellectuals. Shola began singing at the age of eight, influenced by her Jamaican upbringing and the soul and jazz classics that played in her home. At a young age, Shola garnered attention for her distinct raspy voice, which enabled her to perform a variety of musical styles. After living in New-York for 8 years, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music, she is now a true resident in Paris. Shola spends her time travelling to perform and develop her musical style. This album is her explorations into Jazz.

Florian Pellissier, Parisian pianist and composer, is known for the authenticity and hard-bop style he brings to his music. A graduate of The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music, Florian has spearheaded his own quintet along with the release of two successful albums: Le diable et son train (2012), and Biches Bleues (2014). Florian has also contributed his musical talent to jazz and funk projects such as Setenta, Camarao Orkestra, Chevere Que Son, Cotonete and GUTS.

During Shola’s year-long residence as a performer for Le Reservoir’s Sunday Jazz brunch, Hot Casa Records’ honchos introduced Shola to Florian, sensing they would musically complement each other. In July 2013, their collaboration began, bonding over their love of jazz autobiographies, swapping music, and improvising together.

The result is eight spiritually-tinged jazz tracks recorded live on analog equipment to maintain the traditional quality, from sultry introspections to rhythmic compositions, grounded in intense emotion. Included are jazz classics such as “Feeling Good” and “I Have a Dream”, a tribute to the music of Herbie Hancock, who has influenced Florian since his formative years in New York, to which Shola penned lyrics.