OYA’Z QUARTET

Photo : ©Julien-Hay

OYA’Z (Orbital-Yearning-Ascension) is a young quartet formed by students from the jazz classes of the conservatoires of Paris and Boulogne, most of whom come from Haute-Vienne. The group is establishing itself as an emerging formation, developing a musical identity at the crossroads of several jazz currents. Among their major influences is John Coltrane, whose spiritual and harmonic approach forms a foundational imprint on the group.

The quartet also explores freer territories. It incorporates elements that can verge on free jazz, nourished by figures such as Steve Lacy and Thelonious Monk.

Beyond this legacy of the 1950s and 1960s, OYA’Z Quartet is part of today’s momentum and also draws on contemporary jazz to feed its compositional work, taking inspiration from artists such as Sol Léna-Schrol and AMG. The name OYA refers to the goddess of storms and lightning in Nigerian culture. A symbol of transformation, power, and movement, this mythological figure fully reflects the group’s universe. OYA’Z offers intense and immersive music, conceived as a sonic journey. Through their compositions and improvisations, the musicians invite the listener to be carried away by the spirit of their music.

Line-up :
Nicolas Mahasaron – piano
Arnold Labrousse – drums
Antonin Ozenne – saxophone
Aurélien Candiard – double bass