SOUND OF THE GROUND

Sound of the Ground is David Balilty’s evolving Afro-jazz project and independent musical idea — an ensemble, a radio, an archive and a meeting place for artists. Its language grows from African rhythm, Moroccan Gnawa, Yoruba traditions, Senegal and jazz improvisation, moving through Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, London, Paris and New York.

The project was shaped through friendship, performance and encounters with musicians including Jerry Gonzalez, Kirk Lightsey, Simon Belelty, Omer Avital, Itai Kriss, Tommy Campbell, Mamiko Watanabe and Assaf Yoria. Dizzy Gillespie belongs to its earliest personal history: a formative meeting that became part of Balilty’s musical and visual memory.

David Balilty is an Israeli musician, percussionist, composer, bandleader and visual artist based in Paris. He grew up in Jerusalem in a family where art and music were part of everyday life. His father, Joseph Balilty, was a sculptor and artist who built special percussion instruments for David during his childhood.

David began playing with his father at the age of three. At sixteen, he performed with Dizzy Gillespie in Jerusalem. In his early twenties he moved to Berlin, and later developed his work in London, South Africa, Montreal, New York, Tel Aviv and Paris.

Music is also a family connection. David’s brother Ami Balilty is a percussionist who performs with him in some of his ensembles. His brother Simon Belelty is a Paris-based guitarist who collaborates with David on performances, recordings and productions. Simon is also the owner of Jojo Records, a label named in honour of their father, Joseph.

More than a band, Sound of the Ground is a living musical label — connecting recordings, concerts, images and stories while leaving space for the next collaboration.