Kymotopia
The notes of the duo Kymotopia drip like raindrops, while the melodies rise and fade with the wind, making way for improvisations—gentle or fiery, depending on the mood and the moment. Whether launching into a downpour or taking shelter in a temple, Jean-Noël Gos tells the story of his travels through his music. From Asian rivers to Burkinabé oases, Kymotopia draws inspiration from the ever-changing elements that shape and transform us. After A World of Waves, it is time to set foot on solid ground with A World of Dust.
Their second album A World of Dust is to be released this year.
Jean-Noël Gos
Jean-Noël naturally packed a classical guitar, ready to take the Trans-Siberian Railway to Vladivostok. He was heading to South Korea for six months. In his dorm room at Sungkyunkwan University near Seoul, he composed short pieces, unaware that they marked the beginning of an adventure that still accompanies him today.
A few years later, while studying jazz in Basel, he met Joseph, with whom a musical friendship formed instantly. Together, they transformed these solo guitar pieces into duos, giving birth to Kymotopia. Their debut album, A World of Waves, was released in 2023. After many concerts in Switzerland and France, they recorded their second album, A World of Dust, which will be released this year.
A few years later, while studying jazz in Basel, he met Joseph, with whom a musical friendship formed instantly. Together, they transformed these solo guitar pieces into duos, giving birth to Kymotopia. Their debut album, A World of Waves, was released in 2023. After many concerts in Switzerland and France, they recorded their second album, A World of Dust, which will be released this year.
Joseph Bijon
Joseph is a French guitarist from Chalon-sur-Saône. After completing a Master’s degree at the Jazzcampus Basel with Lionel Loueke and Wolfgang Muthspiel, he moved to Paris to further develop his career. Active in both the jazz and folk scenes, he tours across Europe with singer Mireille Mathieu as well as with projects such as Fifi’s Spaceship (CH), Asra (CH), and Szolenn (FR).
In 2022, he was a member of the Orchestre des Jeunes de l’ONJ under the direction of Denis Badault. Joseph composes music for his trio ARK, with which he released the album Travelling Minds in 2019, as well as for various other projects, including Kymotopia.
A World Of Waves
Kymotopia's debut album is a story, told both through sounds and words. Greatly inspired by personal travelling stories, some of the pieces were written during a trip to South Korea. Not only were melodies composed there, but also words written and Kymotopia would like to take you on their journey with an album combined with a travel diary. Are you ready to pedal through South Korea and dive into their inspiration? The album A World Of Waves is available on CD, together with a poster, with a travel diary on its reverse side (French and German).
Achievements & Reviews
Lucens Classique Festival
Concert aux étoiles au château de Lucens
https://lucensclassique.ch
Le Bleu Lézard
Lausanne
https://bleu-lezard.ch
Saint Fabrice en Jazz
Chalon-sur-Saône, France
Fête de la Musique de Genève
Salle Centrale de la Madeleine
https://sallecentrale.ch
Chrämerhuus
Langenthal
https://www.chraemerhuus.ch/kultur
And many more...
by Gabriel Mazza for Mesmerized, 15.11.2023
Jean-Noël Gos and Joseph Bijon Team Up on ‘Fireside’
We often find ourselves at the sharp end of the music industry; featuring complex and bold records with a strong avant-garde character. Sometimes it’s good to take a break and step back into more controlled and minimal realms. Kymotopia helps us do exactly that, by delivering wholesome instrumental vibes and guitar-powered goodness. With the help of their trusted guitars, ranging from electric to classic, Jean-Noël Gos and Joseph Bijon – the human behind the record – compose light and meaningful pieces meant to evoke a fleeting emotion: be it nostalgia, hope or melancholia. ‘Fireside’ does exactly that. The pair’s latest effort, the track aims at soundtracking your winter evenings, offering warmth and comfort, yet packed with a rather introspective outlook. It’s for you to reflect and rejoice – the new year will be here soon. Inspired by their personal experiences (including a cycling trip in South Korea and keeping a travel notebook), Kymotopia are truly talented artists and performers. As they explain: “It’s been a long and cold November day and you come back home, looking to relax and get cosy. This is what our song ‘Fireside’ is all about.” ‘Fireside’ is taken from the project’s latest album, ‘A World of Waves’.
