NES

One voice, encompassing the extremes.

Nesrine Belmokh can take your breath away hollering, only to rope you in with a graceful carol, in accordance with the style required. Alternating between Arabian idiom, jazz, and pop, she doesn’t just shift color like a chameleon, but seems to change her whole personality: fierce and aggressive one moment, retiring and introverted the next.

Accompanied by percussion and two cello’s her group’s arsenal appears limited, but appearances deceive. Her voice ranges from a deep drone to a mountainous exultation, even resorting to a shriek or squeal if called for. Besides, no one forces you to use a bow all the time.

Belmokh, who was born in France to Algerian parents, sometimes uses her cello like a guitar. NES, her trio with fellow cellist Matthieu Saglio and percussionist David Gadea, originated three years ago in Valencia where they met. A guileless spectator may suspect Belmokh is playing “second fiddle,” but in between verses she’ll whip out her bow and wipe the floor with you. NES’s main languages are French, English, and Arabic. Notable detail: the Arabic lyrics are written by Nesrine’s mother, who, in addition to being a doctor, is also a poet.

Formation

Nesrine Belmokh – vocals, electric cello
Matthieu Saglio – cello, sampler, vocals
David Gadea - percussion