Parisian improv guitarist (see also: MOPCUT and ABACAXI) inspired by tap dance technique

Julien Desprez (curated by Ichiko Aoba)

Paris-based guitarist Julien Desprez (FR) regards jazz and rock as his first musical loves, but quickly found his way to free improvisation. He therefore sees his guitar as more like ‘a battery, an organ, a modifiable instrument deployable at will’. Inspired by tap dance technique (!) and effects pedals, Desprez gradually moved into sound art, performance and contemporary improvisational music. 

Desprez is a member of MOPCUT (present at AB last year in a double bill with Lonnie Holley), as well as the impressive ABACAXI. He has played with influential artists such as Charlie Haden, Mats Gustafsson, Louis Sclavis, Tortoise, Han Bennink, Rob Mazurek, Jeff Parker and David Grubbs.  

Ichiko Aoba is a fan: she invited him to appear as the opening act on her previous tour.