REZA CHANGIZI TRIO
Contemporary Jazz · Chromatic Santour · Cello · DrumsOriginal Compositions & Reimagined Jazz StandardsA Paris-based trio in which the santour develops an original musical language with Eastern influences, in dialogue with the cello and drums, blending melodies, improvisation and rhythmic energy.
Original Compositions — Live in the Studio
Three compositions by Reza Changizi, recorded in the studio on October 20, 2026. Each piece was performed in a single continuous take, without musical editing.
Minor Chaharmezrab — Reza Changizi
Saffron Blues — Reza Changizi
Im Arev — Reza Changizi
The Project
The Reza Changizi Trio explores the melodic, harmonic and percussive dimensions of the chromatic santour through Reza Changizi's original compositions. Some pieces reveal the instrument's lyricism and emotional depth through expressive melodies and resonances that create hypnotic, sometimes cinematic atmospheres. Others bring Eastern-inflected melodies into dialogue with jazz harmonic progressions. The chaharmezrab, a virtuosic and highly rhythmic instrumental form of Persian music, also inspires his jazz writing, particularly in the construction and transformation of rhythmic motifs.The technique of muting the strings allows for the creation of percussive figures, sometimes combined with resonant arpeggios and voice leading. The cello provides bass lines, countermelodies and textures, while the three musicians exchange motifs, accents and rhythmic impulses. The composed structures allow for spontaneous developments: an ostinato, a rhythmic cell or a passage of free improvisation can become the starting point for new interactions, transforming the ensemble's textures, tensions and dynamics.This freedom is also reflected in the arrangements of jazz standards, whose melodies, harmonies and forms are reinterpreted through the possibilities of this instrumental combination. Alternating between lyricism, rhythmic intensity and collective improvisation, Reza Changizi establishes a distinctive compositional language in which the chromatic santour emerges as a voice in its own right within contemporary jazz.
The Musicians
Reza Changizi — Santour
A santour player, composer and pianist based in Paris, Reza Changizi develops a personal musical language at the intersection of jazz, composition and improvisation. Having studied the santour since childhood, he gradually broadened his musical horizons to include classical piano, followed by jazz and modern harmony.His work explores the melodic, rhythmic and harmonic possibilities of the chromatic santour, which he places at the heart of his compositions and arrangements. Today, he continues to develop this musical language through various ensembles, notably his trio with cello and drums.In February 2026, he performed at TEDxParis on the stage of the Grand Rex. His trio compositions reflect his ambition to establish the santour as a voice in its own right within contemporary jazz.
Pierre-Yves Le Jeune — Violoncelle
A cellist, bassist and composer, Pierre-Yves Le Jeune has pursued an artistic career since the 1990s at the intersection of jazz, improvised music and contemporary musical styles. In 2006, he deepened his approach to bowed string instruments by studying classical cello with Amandine Robillard and Jean-Guihen Queyras, further enriching his musical language.His experience has led him to perform with numerous ensembles, including Lifescape and Sayag Jazz Machine, and to appear at major venues and festivals in France and internationally, among them Rock en Seine, La Cigale, Ososphère, Scopitone, Sziget Festival and the Akbank Festival in Istanbul. He has also collaborated with artists such as Titi Robin, Jacques Higelin, Doctor L and Sofiane Saïdi.Within the Reza Changizi Trio, he draws on this wealth of experience to bring an expressive and versatile cello voice, moving between bass lines, countermelodies, textures and improvisation, while contributing fully to the musical dialogue between the three instruments.
Brenda Ohana — Batterie
Originally from Belém, Brazil, Brenda Ohana is a Paris-based composer, drummer, percussionist and vibraphonist. Trained in classical percussion in Brazil and Europe, she has developed a musical universe spanning jazz, contemporary music, Brazilian musical traditions and improvisation.Her international career has taken her on tours and artistic residencies in numerous countries, including China, Japan, Morocco and Burkina Faso. She also develops her own compositional projects, particularly around the vibraphone, and has recorded several albums under her own name and with her ensembles.Within the Reza Changizi Trio, her playing combines rhythmic inventiveness, a rich palette of timbres and freedom of improvisation, contributing fully to the development of the compositions and the musical dialogue between the three instruments.
Other Performances & Recordings
Billie's Bounce — Charlie Parker | Live in Concert
Caravan — Duke Ellington | Studio Recordings
Concert Format
Line-up: Chromatic santour, cello and drumsRepertoire: Original compositions and reinterpreted jazz standards (Caravan, Cherokee, Donna Lee, Spain, …)Duration:
One set of 60 to 90 minutes
Two sets of 45 to 60 minutes eachThe format can be adapted to the festival's programme.Atmosphere: Music that is at once lively, warm and immersive, driven by the dialogue between the three instruments, the energy of the groove and the hypnotic sounds of the chromatic santour.
Technical Rider
The Reza Changizi Trio performs as an amplified acoustic ensemble, with a sound system suited to the venue or stage, preserving the natural balance and nuances of the instruments.Instruments & SoundChromatic Santour: Instrument and stand provided by the musician. Built-in pickups connected to a personal preamplifier, then to the mixing console via a DI box or line input, depending on the setup.Cello: Instrument and microphone provided by the musician, connected to the mixing console. Please provide a stable chair without armrests.Drums: Please provide a complete jazz drum kit (bass drum, snare drum, toms, bass drum pedal, hi-hat stand, cymbal stands and adjustable drum throne). The drummer brings her own cymbals. Light amplification, suited to the acoustics and dimensions of the venue, while preserving the instrumental balance.Monitors & VoiceStage Monitors: A minimum of two independent stage monitors is preferred, with separate level controls.Voice/Announcements: One microphone on a stand is preferred for announcements.Technical RequirementsStage Space: Sufficient space for the three musicians and their instruments, ensuring good visibility and direct communication.Soundcheck: A soundcheck before the concert should be scheduled to adjust levels, monitors and acoustic balance.Technical Support : A front-of-house sound system, mixing console and assistance from a sound engineer are preferred, depending on the venue configuration.Technical requirements can be adapted in consultation with the festival's technical team.
Phone: +33 7 65 29 41 99
Email : [email protected]