Tryo

by Marisa BrownFormed in 1995 by friends Manu Eveno (called simply Manu) and Cyril Celestin (called Guizmo), who had previously played together in other bands, Tryo got their name after Christophe Mali (who went by his last name) joined. The group wrote reggae-inspired music for three guitars and voices (though Manu also played various reed instruments and Mali played accordion and keyboards), performing in festivals for a few years in order get their name out in their native France. Soon they met percussionist Daniel Bravo (nicknamed Danielito), and in 1998 their debut album, Mamagubida, whose name was created by connecting the first syllable of each member's name (plus that of their manager, Sebastien "Bibou" Pujol), was issued. Two years later Faut Qu'lls S'Activent came out, as well as a collaboration with circus troupe Les Arrosés (though it didn't hit shelves -- in DVD format -- until 2002). In 2003 Grain de Sable was released, followed in 2005 by the live album De Bouches a Oreilles, which was recorded at the famous Olympia Theatre in Paris.