A R N I T O
B i o g r a p h y
Arnaud FILLION-ROBIN « Arnito » is a french guitar player and composer, based in Annecy, France. Versatile musician, his style integrates various influences and techniques derived from flamenco, jazz, classical, world music, folk.
In addition to his large live and studio experience (thousands of concerts, 19 self-products albums, and dozens of various styles recording sessions ), Arnito is offering diverses artistic, creation and teaching project, to transmit his particular vision of music. His catalog is counting more than 200 compositions, for different formations from Symphony Orchestra to solo guitar. He's regularly performing live with various bands and ensembles. In 2017, a grant from the Helen Wurlitzer Foundation (Taos, New Mexico, USA) allows him to work on the composition of of a multi-language songs project for choir and orchestra (Kune). His guitar concerto won several composition competition prices including the first french place and finalist of Maurice Ravel competition in 2018. It has since been recorded by Johan Smith and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
Arnito concerts and projects:
- Solo concert, 7-string guitar (compositions)
- Duet with Adama Koeta (kora)
- Duo, trio, quartet, quintet... compositions and jazz mix repertoire, world music, acoustic or electric.
- Hindu Kush : oriental music
- Workshops, guitar courses and creative music.
- Recordings, composition, production, various collaborations.
Do you have a concert or event project? Would you like to propose an artistic collaboration? Do you need to record one or more guitars for your album? Write to us via the contact page for any request for information, quote, etc.
Press , Reviews. . .
Chronicles
the guitarra / laguitare.net
Arnito - Mi granito de sal (2010)
Posted by Luc on June 1, 2010
Arnaud FILLION-ROBIN alias “Arnito” is a worthy heir to the masters of nuevo flamenco. True heir, but with his own music, inspired by his taste for travel and diversity. So do not be surprised to go from the gypsy atmosphere of a clarinet blowing an east wind to the intimacy of a soleá, not without having made a detour to the jazz of a guitar improvising according to the sound waves brought by the orchestral breeze. Arnito does not distort flamenco, he simply knows how to play with its forms which he makes malleable, thereby adding a zest of counterpoint, here a pinch of the Orient. This music which sometimes resolves itself where you least expect it, this surprising melody, this sometimes meditative sometimes fiery guitar, these rhythms coming from the Earth, this mastered virtuosity make Arnito's album really put its grain of salt in today's music scene, and the seasoning is delicious. Let's not forget the presence of the other musicians, because Arnito, composer and polyinstrumentalist (Guitar, cello, percussion, spaghetti box and so on) knew how to surround himself with companions whose colorful interpretations perfectly balance the spirit of this live music.
classicalguitar.net
Posted in Favorite , Favorite nightclub
Arnaud Fillion – Concerto for guitar and orchestra – An angel among the sighs
XAVIER BOSCHER APRIL 9, 2020
(Classic, released February 8, 2020)
A sustained score, a sublime setting for a majestic classical guitar, between film music and classical influences, Arnaud Fillion demonstrates a real talent as an orchestrator and a pronounced taste for melody and lyricism.
I love to receive atypical albums, concepts that amaze me, it is moreover the characteristic of musicians to amaze their audience. When Arnaud Fillion , composer from Annecy, with immense talent, contacted me to chronicle his music, I said " Yes without even listening to a single note in front of such evidence. So I received this magnificent project on CD in order to take full advantage of listening to this work on my Cabasse speakers.
What an incredible undertaking for a self-produced artist proposing and offering himself the holy grail of composers! : a concerto with a symphony orchestra (the Budapest Symphony Orchestra ) which, without revolutionizing concert music, reveals the unique talent of its composer. A sustained score, a sublime setting for a majestic classical guitar, between film music and classical influences, Arnaud Fillion demonstrates a real talent as an orchestrator and a pronounced taste for melody and lyricism. In three movements, Playful », « Air " and " Hypnotika », the guitarist Johan Smith, with an impeccable interpretation, plays with our emotions, surprises us here and there by the beauty of the sonorities of his nylon strings.
A last piece concludes the disc “ An angel among the sighs », a piece for violin and orchestra, a real invitation to travel inside his soul, all in lyricism and subtle nuances, carried by the leading violinist Alain Arias . The sound production, meanwhile, gives way to the acoustics and realism of the orchestra and soloists to the delight of our ears.
I can only support this high-flying musical initiative and hope with all my heart that Arnaud will be spotted by a great director and be able to express his talent in images to share it with as many people as possible.
http://www.theevenground.com/indie-music-album-reviews/arnito-musiques-de-mon-monde-vol2
Music from my world, vol.2:
By Matt Jensen
If you haven't heard of the composer and multi-instrumentalist Arnaud FILLION-ROBIN aka Arnito it's time to get on board. I was first introduced to Arnito when I reviewed THEBAIDE at the end of 2014. At any rate Arnito seems to have an unending supply of music within the banks of his mind. He just released Musiques de mon monde, vol.2 which is a diverse collection of songs that infuse different styles from jazz to flamenco to name a few. At the center of these songs are string instruments but there is also some fantastic percussive elements spread throughout.
If I was going to classify Musiques de mon monde, vol.2 I would call it world music but in my opinion that phrase has some negative connotations with it. World music often gets associated with a new age aesthetic and sometimes their paths cross. At its worst world music can be hokey, generic and something your yoga teacher might put on to instill a sense of inner peace. Musics of my world, vol.2 is the opposite of that. It feels authentic, pure and vibrant with festive energy. I would say it's a lot like visiting the different countries at Epcot except you aren't confronted with over-priced souvenirs and a young cashier who has a bad case of acne.
The album starts off with “An Island” which contains exceptional string and organic percussion. I have to say the recording quality and production really makes this song (and other songs) such a pleasure to listen to. The instruments sound like that are being played about two feet away you and you can hear every nuance which makes the technical ability even more enjoyable to listen to.
The second track “Little Hearts” is a highlight. It contains eastern instrumentation such as tablas and is also one of the few songs that contain vocals. There is really fantastic string work once again but that can really be said about all the songs.
After “Little Hearts” we take our ears west to places like Turkey, Czech and Spain where Romani music is still popular. It's upbeat, fun and if any song will make you put on your dancing shoes it is “En Badrouille.” Speaking of dancing that's what the strings do on “Aubade in E minor” while we visit the streets of Brazil with the festive “Ao Longo do Caminho.”
For you the journey is just getting started. There are plenty of more styles you get to visit before Musiques de mon monde, vol.2 comes to a close. So you want to be a world traveler but can't afford the time or money? Maybe one day it will become a reality but in the meantime it doesn't mean you ears can't visit different parts of the world thanks to Arnito
http://www.theevenground.com/indie-music-album-reviews/arnito-thebaide
By Ted Rogen
Arnito is a French guitar player and composer who recently released his twelfth album entitled Thébaïde. It's a nine-song album that revolves around the guitar and is not only about the notes the guitar is playing but the spaces in between. Thébaïde is an album that has more in common with minimal music that anything else and bears comparison to artists like Terry Riley, Steve Reich and Philip Glass. Along with minimalism Arnito flirts with dissonance as well as harmony. He explores both extremes with his guitar. Whether the music piece is founded in harmony or dissonance it feels meditative. What I mean by that is just listening to the music puts you in a somewhat meditative state.
The first song “Chrysalide” is in my opinion the most meditative song on the album. It starts with Arnito hitting the perfect succession of notes that come in and out of existence. In the background is the most subtle hum that makes the guitar notes and the space between feel seamless. It's a beautiful song. Stillness, peace and tranquility are words that come to mind when listening to the song. You would think that one might be bored after twenty minutes of extremely sparse music but I felt quite the opposite.
“Shadow Game, pt. 1” is the first exploration with dissonance. The song seems like a picture fit for a movie like “Eyes Wide Shut” or any David Lynch film. The third track “March of the Hibiscus” is yet another deviation. There isn't much space between the notes but instead it relies on jazz-inspired melodies. It's relaxing and seems like a perfect song to start your morning with.
“Un guide, une étoile” is where we hear Arnito flexing his technical muscles. His guitar picking is precise and fluid. The guitar smothers you in warm overtones that instill a sense of nostalgia and understanding. Arnito revisits dissonance with “Shadowplay, pt. 2” He tinkers with strings and bends them finding the semitones between the notes. He closes the album very much in the same way he opened it. Except this time he does it in under four minutes.
A lot of music sounds similar to me and sometimes I just think it's because a majority of musicians use the same instrumentation. For example, how many possibilities can a three-piece rock band have? Listening to this album proves this notion wrong. Thebaid is a testament to the countless possibilities that are within the guitar itself. His guitar takes you on a journey through peaks and valleys and different emotions and in the end makes you realize the possibilities of sound are almost infinite.
http://www.nomoredivision.com/indie-music-album-reviews
Arnito- Ekut
6/9/2016
self-released; 2016
4.0 out of 5 - TOP ALBUM
By Matt Jensen
If you haven't heard of Arnito it's time to get acquainted. Ekut is the 14th self-produced album and arguably his best. If you want to hear some exceptional instrumental work that is implemented into jazz, world music and more then it's time to indulge yourself in Ekut.
The album starts off with the excellent “Klemaik.” It's the music that I can picture listening to while outside a quaint European cafe sipping on espresso and appreciating the scenery around me. The guitar work is a treat to listen to but the percussive elements play just as an important part. There is a Mediterranean vibe that is easy to enjoy on this song.
Next up is “Eop” which is more aligned with a jazz artist like Django Reinhardt. Cool cats and slick tricks. If you don't find yourself snapping along with the snaps in the song you might want to see a doctor.
“Esboco” has a Brazilian vibe which showcases a prominent rhythm section. The groove feels so organic and human. A far cry from the large majority of EDM that the west consumes. “Dulce Locura” may have the best solo guitar work. If somehow you don't enjoy the aesthetics of the song you will still be impressed by the technical ability.
“Ciel pourpre” is an interesting, eclectic mix of styles that I couldn't quite put my finger on. That means it's unique and I thought the percussive elements were the driving force here. “Lucioles” contains more superb guitar playing while “Spirale” is experimental in some ways and contains chant like vocals. He closes with the epic “IIham Perisi” which lasts till about the sixteen-minute mark. Just listen to this one!
Ekut is a great album for almost any occasion. Arnito really pulls off some fabulous sounds on this album and I applaud him for it.
Arnito takes us on a journey
It happens to me, by chance at a concert, sometimes given in a small bistro, where the artist passes the hat on as a cachet to discover a pearl, whose musician takes me on his journey, and, returning to my penates, to hear again his music while I fall asleep. Such a gift is to be shared, and even if words are clumsy to describe the music of guitarist Arnito, allow me to present it to you. I met him for the first time at the Les Recyclables bookstore café located a few hundred meters from my house where musicians perform. Beginners, good and less good. From the first pieces of Arnito, which I had never heard of, I was seduced both by his virtuosity and by the variety of his themes. With his seven-string guitar, so an extra bass, he thrilled us with flamenco themes. However, his register does not stop there. During his many travels, India, Malaysia, Mali and others that I do not know, he immersed himself in the musical palette of these distant lands where he also gave concerts. Thanks to his virtuosity, he refines, chisels scores where flamenco fever can turn into a ballad. Tireless, he composes and already has 10 records to his credit. He enjoys playing in churches, a way of intimacy with his audience. His last disc go », of which he sent me the pieces is a pure marvel. And I thank him for asking me to write these few lines in order to present it to you.
The disc begins with flamenco compositions, whose ease he possesses with this Andalusian music, allows him variations both in tempo and in the originality of his compositions. Then " go (go), takes us with a group of other talented musicians (brass, violin, percussion) into the world of gypsy music. He returns alone with his guitar for another flamenco composition, which surprises me in its originality. A song called " Autumn Daydreams », with two guitars, is a magnificent ballad, which proves that Arnito had to follow, from his beginnings, a classical formation. Return to Spain, with a buleria “ gold and ebano » where its flamenco composition, is accompanied by the tap dancing of the dancer that we imagine. Destination Brazil with “ Choro de Luz ”, whose composition would certainly be welcomed by the “ Clube do Choro » of which my friend Eduardo Kohan, renowned saxophonist, is one. It would be vain, as I said at the beginning, to transcribe in words the richness of this musicality. We feel through this last disc this ease of moving from one register to another. Apart from the musical baggage, his dexterity, - it's a pleasure to see his fingers running on the neck of his guitar, there is this permanent search, to draw on the source of his travels and his imagination for new pieces. This piece of flamenco that he will jazz up, this other, which lets the spectator rest on a ballad.
Paco de Lucia has left us, another great guitarist asks to be known.
Raymond Joly, 04 June 2014
