At the recommodation of ACT-guitarist Nguyên Lê, labelboss Siggi Loch took notice of French bariton-saxophone player Céline Bonacina. This story is just another example of how community spirit and exchange of ideas within the ”ACT family” often lead to exciting musical discoveries. Esbjörn Svensson – for example – had played in Nils Landgren’s Funk Unit before his international career started with his trio e.s.t. Corean singer Youn Sun Nah came to ACT as a result of her work with Ulf Wakenius and Lars Danielsson. Even Nguyên Lê was introduced to Loch by drummer Peter Erskine. But this time Lê himself introduced an artist to the ACT family.

With her 2010 album „Way of Life“ Bonacina had an impressive debut on ACT featuring Lê as a guest. ”Fono Forum” magazine commented on her playing: ”It is just sensational what sounds and musical styling Céline Bonacina manages to get out the Bariton-Saxophone.”

Céline Bonacina studied in Belfort, Besançon and Paris. From an early age on, she has won several awards for playing classical saxophone. By playing in big bands in Paris, she gained first experiences in playing jazz. She collaborated with musicians like Cuban pianist Omar Sosa and saxophone player Andy Sheppard.

Her debut album „Vue d’en Haut“ was well received by French jazz critics. Due to the great success of the album, Bonacina got to play several reknowned French jazz festivals.

Nguyên Lê on Céline Bonacina: ”I couldn’t keep myself from admiring the vitality and beauty of Céline’s music and the rich expressiveness of her playing. This young woman has the strong urge to break through the confines of the genre just to be herself. This character trait probably made her to choose such a powerful instrument to play. During the time we spend together working on this album, I constantly got to know new facets of her artistic personality. What a contrast that lies between her delicate appearance, her gentle as impish nature and the passion in each of her tones.“