IGUANA -
The French Connection
from left to right: Boni Nanou, Nicolas Scheid, Jean-Yves Monjauze, Félix Schaber, Keri Chryst, Geoffrey Chartre, Dany Kohll (Christophe Beausset and Romi are missing)
IGUANA continues its story in France
with musicians from Poitou-Charentes.
IGUANA-The French Connection will accompany Keri Chryst and Valérie Graschaire, two exceptional singers, during a series of concerts in concert halls in France and Luxembourg.
LADIES NIGHT
Keri Chryst
Keri Elena Chryst was born in the heart of the American Midwest. She has been singing all her life, starting at a very young age in renowned groups such as the Cleveland Orchestra Children's Choir and the Kids On Broadway children's theater troupe. From the age of six, Keri took piano lessons and gained experience in her school orchestra and in musicals. There, she even earned the position of first section flautist… and she also played the sousaphone during marching band season! For Keri, music is a family affair; even as a child, she would turn the pages of her grandmother's sheet music, as her grandmother was the church organist. Later, around the age of 16, she made her debut on the jazz scene with her grandfather's big band.
It was no surprise, then, when Miss Chryst left for Chicago in 1992 to begin classical vocal studies at Northwestern University's School of Music. However, she was quickly captivated by the challenge of jazz vocal harmonies—and unwilling to accept that there were things she couldn't do—she completely changed course. Having the opportunity to study and sing with jazz greats like Max Roach, Sheila Jordan, Bobby McFerrin, and Danilo Perez, she became, in 1997, the first singer in her university's history to receive a degree in Jazz Studies. A year later, she added a Master's degree in Jazz Pedagogy, also from Northwestern.
Whether Keri is leading a jazz quintet or a big band, like Phil Nelson's orchestra, her voice, sweeter than caramel, and her authentic, in-your-pocket swing have charmed American audiences from Chicago to Cleveland to New York.
Today, Keri lives in Paris, where she teaches singing in conjunction with the American School of Modern Music (www.asmm.fr). She performs regularly in Parisian clubs such as the New Morning, where she recently played alongside the renowned Fred Wesley—James Brown's quintessential trombonist—at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Club at the Méridien, and at Café Universel—not to mention the American "Mecca" of Southern soul food: Chez Haynes. Although jazz is her passion, she can also be heard singing regularly with the rhythm and blues group Mystery.
Here is a musician at ease in any situation, whom we invite you to discover. Pay close attention to Miss Chryst, she continues to spread her classic swing style in Paris and on the international scene.
Valérie Graschaire
Valérie Graschaire is a French jazz singer who has been active on the music scene for several decades. She initially trained in classical piano for nine years before discovering singing through encounters with musicians. At the age of 21, she further developed her vocal jazz skills, particularly by working on improvisation and scat singing, and took courses at the Centre Musical et Créatif de Nancy (CMCN) with Patrick Dos Santos. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with various artists and ensembles, such as the Pee Barney Band and the Richard-Paul Morellini Quintet, and received additional training in jazz harmony with trumpeter Claude Mirandola. She has also participated in workshops with figures like Sarah Lazarus and obtained a certification in psychophony as well as a state diploma in vocal jazz.
As a performer, Valérie Graschaire is renowned for her expressive voice and improvisational talent, exploring a repertoire that includes jazz standards as well as modern compositions. She has recorded several albums and performed in various ensembles, from duos to quartets, collaborating with musicians such as Pierre-Alain Goualch on piano, Diego Imbert on double bass, Franck Agulhon on drums, and Stéphane Belmondo on flugelhorn. Among her notable projects, she has explored diverse musical worlds, including tributes to composers like Thelonious Monk, and has participated in recordings that blend jazz influences with other styles.
Valérie Graschaire is also involved in teaching, where she shares her expertise by leading workshops, masterclasses and courses in conservatories in the Lorraine region. Her work extends to collaborative projects, such as her duo with Pierre Brouant, which offers an introspective and poetic repertoire, often centered on themes like emancipation and personal journeys. This duo, under the name THIRD STREAM, incorporates original compositions and arrangements that underscore the autonomy and diversity of human experiences, with performances that may include guests such as Jean-Charles Richard on saxophones.
In addition to her artistic activities, Valérie Graschaire has contributed to music education by developing teaching methods, such as the "Feu vert chant" method, and continues to perform regularly in France and internationally, enriching the jazz scene with nuanced interpretations and a collaborative approach.
THE CONCEPT
The concept is to tell the story of American music through songs and world-renowned stars, from blues and soul to R&B, funk, pop, and swing. Music is at the heart of the show, and to tell this story in the most captivating way possible, experienced and talented artists are needed. Keri Chryst and Valérie Graschaire are those artists, bringing the stage to life with charisma, wit, and energy. In the first half, Keri Chryst performs songs like Aretha Franklin's "Chain of Fools," the Gershwin brothers' "Summertime," KISS's "I Feel Good" and "But Not for Me," and many more. After a short break, Valérie Graschaire takes over for the second half, performing songs such as "Reverend Lee," "They Can't Take That Away from Me," "Cold Duck," and many others. Throughout the evening, IGUANA - The French Connection, a group of eight top-level musicians from Poitou-Charentes, accompanies the artists.
Les musiciens
Christophe Beausset
drums & bg vocal
... from Poitiers, it's nearly impossible to list all the groups and musicians he's played with. These include MAS D’AZIL, Pascal Faidy's quintet, Arnaud Guille's quintet, "L'Albatros" with Isabelle AUTISSIER, the BBM trio, THE GENTLE ART OF BASS, Alex Dombrovszky, and many others.
In 2011, he worked with Ivo FLORES, a Portuguese musician.
In 2019, he participated in Jeff MARSCHAL's musical project (rock compositions) and played in The MARJIES, founded by Marjorie MALITE. Then, in September 2019, he played with the VILLA VIOLET QUINTET, founded by BRUNO DURAND. Since 2017, he has had his own trio, the Christophe Beausset Trio, with Jean-Yves Monjauze and Guillaume Souriau.
Jean-Yves Monjauze
piano
After studying classical piano at the Conservatories of Clermont-Ferrand and Poitiers, Jean-Yves Monjauze discovered the world of jazz, which he further explored in Paris under the tutelage of Bernard Maury. He earned his DEM (Diploma of Musical Studies) in jazz from the Poitiers Conservatory in 1994 and made numerous musical connections with artists such as Claude Barthélémy, Laurent Dehors, and François Corneloup. He co-founded the tentet Inconscient Collectif and the 4te Bleu Claire with Claire Bergerault, before moving towards free jazz. He hasn't forgotten the rock music scene, which has always been close to his heart, joining the Nasal Retentive Orchestra in 2002, performing the repertoire of Frank Zappa. He regularly plays with Audrey & les faces B, The Marjies, Papa Soul Club, Drive In, and many others.
Boniface Nanou
guitar
From a very young age, Boni began with the piano before dedicating himself to the guitar, which he studied at various schools and with private teachers. He played in rock, country, blues, and jazz bands throughout the Mellois region. After working as a freelance musician for many years, Boni devoted himself to teaching music, finding immense pleasure in sharing his passion. Boni is a very versatile guitarist. Possessing a deep understanding of harmony, he adapts to the demands of Iguana's repertoire.
Félix Schaber
bass
From the 1980s onwards, Félix made a name for himself as an arranger and composer in Luxembourg (receiving commissions from the pop and jazz scene – including Joan Orleans' album – as well as from the broadcast sector). He composed the A-side track of the 45 rpm single HËLLEF FIR AFRICA (the Luxembourgish version of AID FOR AFRICA) in 1985. Founder of JAZZLINE, GOLDEN 5 BRASS, and IGUANA, he established "VAP-Studios" with Dem Flammang in 1991. In 1999, he founded his own publishing house, MUSIC ABC. He is the author of a series of music education books in three languages. A producer of several albums, he has played trumpet in the Gasty Meier Big Band, among others, alongside musicians such as Hans Koller and Bart van Lier.
Geoffrey Chartre
trumpet & fluegelhorn
... from Poitiers. At age 11, he began playing the trumpet at the Niort Conservatory before joining Robby Boillot's jazz class and then J-J Elangué's, where he earned his CEPI jazz diploma. To familiarize himself with the jazz style, he met Ronald Baker, who taught him swing. He joined the jazz group Xtet and participated in numerous concerts with Géraldine Laurent as a guest, also playing in the Clean Quartet. With the group Jazz Combo Box, he toured nationally and internationally. Subsequently, he formed his own jazz quartet, the GEOFFREY CHARTRE QUARTET.
Nicolas Scheid
saxophones & flûte
... from Poitiers. After studying musicology at the University of Poitiers, he dedicated himself to jazz. His mentors were Bob Dixon, Denis Badault, Laurent Cugny, and Claude Barthélemy. From 1992 to 2004, he taught saxophone at the Syrinx Music Workshops in Poitiers. He has played in various groups (and in different styles) such as the Charles Bellonzi Quintet, Michel Delage Tentet, Maxime Legrand Quintet, Papa Soul Club, Audrey et les Faces B, Noujoum Gnawa, Sandunga Latina, Caribo y Amigos, and many others. He has played with jazz luminaries such as Didier Lockwood, Marcel Azzola, Marla Glen, and Géraldine Laurent...
Romi
bg vocal
From Melle, she studied with Emmanuelle Rouvray in Poitiers and furthered her training with Charlène Bigot. Boni Nanou, guitarist for Iguana, discovered her talent, and thanks to him, she developed a flair for blues and soul. Convinced of her talent, Félix offered her a position as a backing vocalist with Iguana.
Dany Kohll
synthesizer & bg vocal
After studying at the conservatories of Toronto and Esch-sur-Alzette, Dany worked as a professor of classical singing in Luxembourg. Her versatility earned her a reputation as a go-to resource for pop/rock singers with vocal problems. She is the founder of several vocal ensembles in Luxembourg. She has performed in numerous concerts in Portugal, Hungary, Belgium, France, and Germany, including as a mezzo-soprano soloist.
Management: Jean Perrier
Contact: 05 49 29 46 65 / 06 07 29 90 10
Mail: [email protected]
The full concert from January 19 in Dudelange
on YOUTUBE
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4k video
Our new album
will be released soon
Our second album
released in 2023
Our first album
released in 1999
on 41 streaming audio services
under:
IGUANA 2.0 (new album)
IGUANA Myterious Planet (old album)
IGUANA 2.0
back on stage
IGUANA 2.0
live on stage again
Julien Petit, Félix Schaber, Jean-Jacques Wathgen, Gilles Wagner, Luca Sales
(left to right)
JAZZ FUSION at its best
The story
IGUANA was founded in1997 by Félix Schaber.
The members of that time were:
Nico Wegé - drums
Félix Schaber - keyboards
Vincent Nolot - bass
Jean-Jacques Wathgen - guitars
Eric Figel - sax
The main repertoire was composed by Félix Schaber and Nico Wegé.
1998
IGUANA decided to make a compact cd at the VAP studios.
1999
Release of the CD "MYSTERIOUS PLANET". Concerts in Germany and France followed quickly .
The concert in the famous concert hall "ATELIER" in Luxembourg remains the best live performance of the group. A live recording of public radio 100.7 bears witness to this.
2000
Opener of the jazz festival "Am Brunnenhof" in Trier. The live performances of Iguana were very much appreciated by a growing and loyal audience.
2002
After a large series of concerts, the band begins to wear out. A new repertoire is needed, but the protagonists no longer have the inspiration and strength to do so and therefore this leads to the end of this renowned Franco-Luxembourgish group in these days.
The project
IGUANA 2.0
2021
FéLix Schaber decides to reactivate IGUANA, and soon he wrote a new repertoire.
Two old members had to be replaced and the percussion set was added.
In December Nico left the band and was replaced by Gilles Wagner.
IGUANA 2.0 starts rehearsing.
2022
The concert dates can be found under the "news" section
The musicians
Gilles Wagner - drums
Born in Luxembourg in 1977, Gilles discovered his passion for the drum set at the age of 14. After 5 years in the drums class of Al Ginter at the conservatory of the city of Luxembourg, he began his studies at the jazz department of the Royal Conservatory of Brussels under the direction of Bruno Castellucci. During many workshops he got to know, among others Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Terry Bozzio, Luis Conte, Rick Latham and Marco Minnemann. He played in many pop / rock groups such as "Low Densitiy Corporation", "Julien Arpetti Band", Cluster5, Thorunn, Guy Noel Band, Galliver, Feel Good etc. In jazz, he has performed with New Meander with Matt Borgmann, Maxime Bender, Marc Demuth, Robi Arend, Robi Glod, Claude Pauly and many others.
Since 1998, he has been teaching drums at the UGDA music school.
Félix Schaber - bass
Born in Luxembourg in 1955, Félix Schaber started to play trumpet at the age of 9 years. His interest in jazz began with dixieland bands like Chris Barber, Acker Bilk and others. This leaded him to perform with various big bands and jazz groups ( Hans Koller and Bart van Lier). At the age of 18, composing and arranging become more an more an important part of his passion. Music assignments for singers, big bands or broadcast are becoming more common. NETWORK in the 70’s, JAZZLINE in the 80's an IGUANA in the 90's were the three most important bands in his career until today. Responsible for many productions and recordings, he plays trumpet, trombone, piano, electric bass and ewi.
Jean-Jacques Wathgen - guitars
Very young, JJW discovered his love for music. After completing his piano studies at the Music Conservatory of Esch-sur-Alzette, he went to the Musikhochschule Saarbrücken. Under the guidance of Professor Wolfgang Lendle, JJ specialized in the instrument that fascinated him from an early age, the classical guitar. He turned his passion into his profession and became a classical guitar teacher at the Esch sur Alzette Conservatory. Along with his classical training, JJ specializes in electric guitar. Having already founded the group "Crash" in 1967, he created the group "Angelus Novus" which had great success on the international stages. Member in the groups Atmosphere, Park Café and Iguana, he participates in multiple studio recordings. Many are his solo concerts on classical guitar in Luxembourg and abroad. As a composer and musician of classical and pop music, he plays an essential role in the jazz fusion, pop and rock scene.
Luca Sales - keyboards
Born in Colombia in 1990, Luca Sales began his classical education on the violin and piano. At the age of 12, he discovered his great passion for jazz. His talent led him to Brussels, where he studied jazz piano with Diederik Wissels and Nathalie Loriers. After finishing his master's degree, he teaches at various music schools, but performing on stage is his world. Whether big band, pop, rock or jazz, Luca Sales masters every genre. He participated in the following bands, the who's who of the local jazz scene and beyond: Matt Börgmann's New Meander, Frank Landon, Georges Soyka 4tette, Hachoo, Marc Welter's Joint Bunch, GrundClub, Sven Sauber ... to name just a few.
Julien Petit - saxophones
Professional since 1994 (at age 20) he recorded three solo albums but 35 as a guest. He is also an arranger and writes brass parts for singers. A studio musician, he records for other artists. Julien Petit is also a complete artist who plays comedy, dances and does his show with the big company "Precious Diamond" or "SOS Fanfare". Many services throughout France. He is also part of a Latin music group called "LOS HERMANOS LOCOS". Electronic music is part of his life, he plays with DJ's like "Tony De Petrus", "DJ Suave", "Mickael Clément" or "Michel Laubacher". he has played with the best known jazz musicians in the eastern region of France. He played with Iguana during the concert at the Atelier 1999 replacing Eric Fiegel for one concert. www.julienpetit.com
Option to book us as a sexett!
Eric Durrer - percussion
Born in 1977, the Luxembourg percussionist is an ambassador of Latin music. After specialized studies in Rotterdam, he lived ten years abroad, between Cuba, New York and Miami, playing with the pianist Michel Camilo, holder of a Grammy Award. Back in the Grand Duchy for a few years, Eric Durrer tries to pass on this passion to his students at the Echternach music school. Being a founding member of the group " Choco y Cómplices ", Eric Durrer, among the best conga players in Europe, created the album " Buscando la calma " for 18 musicians and four singers, a cocktail of Cuban and Brazilian music, jazz and funk. Member and composer, it is almost impossible to list all the groups here he plays with.
Former members
Vincent Nolot (bass)
Eric Figel (sax)
Nico Wegé (drums)
Steve Greisch (sax)