Initially conceived in 2020 during the first lockdown, this first project in Esperanto was for Armel the opportunity for a writing challenge: it was a question of writing songs as his language learning process progressed , therefore with a very simple language, a bit like that of a child learning to talk!

From the first attempts, the musical vein of the years with La Planche à Laver and the banjo imposed itself quite naturally, as if Esperanto had taken the soft and comfortable place left by West Indian Creole! If we seek even more coherence, just like Esperanto, the banjo also dates from the end of the 19th century and has its roots in the most diverse cultures. It is also a seemingly very simple instrument, four strings in very regular tuning (fifths) and which one might think – serious error – that its range is limited!

The association of the banjo and Esperanto was therefore quite natural.

First off, there were two long-time accomplices to join the ship, Damien Bravo on double bass and then Denis Lainé. The latter was first in charge of percussion, but very quickly took a very important role in the project through artistic direction of the recordings and then in the mixing of the results. He was also the one who made the first (superb) video on the demo version of “Ĉio estas amo”, which was the start of new collaboration.

Miguel Gutiérrez (Liven Dek) reacted very quickly to the youtube publication, and this contact was decisive since Liven Dek agreed to proofread and correct all the texts of the songs written by Armel Amiot. It was also he who put Armel in touch with Floréal Martorell of Vinilkosmo. The latter in turn played an essential role in the project, advising Armel for voice recordings, for the proper use and articulation of Esperanto.

Here is Armel Amiot's first work in the language Esperanto, with the pleasure of joining the community of Esperanto music and song lovers!

For this EP Banĝo Esperanto:
Author and composer: Armel Amiot

With :
- Armel Amiot: lead and backing vocals, banjo, Hammond organ, electric bass (on 1)
- Denis Lainé: drums and percussion
- Damien Bravo: double bass (on 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

With the help of Liven Dekfor the proofreading and correction of the texts in Esperanto.

Recorded at the Siva Studio by Armel Amiot at the end of 2021-beginning of 2022, with the help of Floréal Martorell for the voice recordings in Esperanto.
Percussion recordings, mixing and artistic codirection by Denis Lainé.
Mastering performed on April 7, 2022 by Alexis Bardinet (Globe Audio Mastering, Bordeaux).

EP cover design: Reno L.

Armel Amiot website: www.armelamiot.com