Lo'Jo are a group from Angers, France, active since 1982. Their music blends world music with French folk and strong North African influences, and they are based in Angers as a communal collective. The group is founded by Denis Péan, a singer and keyboard player, and Richard Bourreau, who plays violin and kora. Both remain central to the group’s history.

History

For several years after forming, Lo'Jo play local events with a changing line-up and work alongside acrobats, street theatre, mime, dancers and film as part of their performances. By the late 1980s they tour across Europe and appear in New York as part of an artists’ collective. Their line-up later settles around Denis Péan, Richard Bourreau, Nicholas “Kham” Meslien on bass, Matthieu Rousseau on drums, and Franck Vaillant, who replaces Rousseau.

Recordings and releases

Their first album, Fils de Zamal, appears in 1993. Earlier and other releases listed include The International Courabou and the cassette Depuis très longtemps. In 1995 they issue Le disque dort. The group records Sin Acabar in 1996 and Mojo Radio in 1997, both with English producer Justin Adams. They then release Bohème de Cristal, also listed as Bohême de cristal, followed by L'une des Siens, which is issued in France before the internationally released title Au Cabaret Sauvage in 2002. Later releases include the live album Ce Soir Là in 2003, Bazar Savant in 2006, Tu connais LO'JO ? in 2007, Cosmophono in 2009 and Cinéma el Mundo in 2012.

Collaborations and international work

In 1995 Lo'Jo add Berber singer and saxophonist Yamina Nid El Mourid and her sister Nadia Nid El Mourid, expanding the North African character of the music. The group later travels to Bamako, Mali, to begin work on Bohème de Cristal, and while there becomes involved in organising the Desert Music Festival, held in January 2001. They also collaborate with a range of musicians, including Tinariwen.

Reception and touring

After the release of Mojo Radio, Lo'Jo gain wider attention in the world music community and join the WOMAD circuit. They tour in the UK in 2009.