Under the alias MIND, pianist and producer Jean-Phi Dary presents his new cosmic journey. Inspired by legendary pioneers such as Herbie Hancock, Wally Badarou, and Brian Eno, the French artist isolated himself in his studio spaceship in Noisy-le-Sec.
Surrounded by his collection of modular synthesizers, from which he absorbed the culture, along with his drum machines, MPC X AKAÏ, Roland TR-8S, and other balafons, sanza, and passons, he embarked on a musical exploration. During this sonic voyage, beyond the hypnotic rhythms and trances, deep house, techno, and a broader spectrum of electronic music harmonize with afrobeat and afro jazz. Additionally, there is the traditional music of French Guiana and the taki taki rhythms of the Saramaka people, a bushinengue, maroon community from the Amazonian forests, the region from which his parents originate.
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Among the other guiding lights Jean-Philippe Dary has had, Tony Allen, the undisputed maestro of afrobeat, holds a very special place. With him, the French artist learned a great deal in every area. Whether humanly, on tours around the globe or in the studio, he was a privileged witness to the art of his mentor. Captivated by his Spirit of the Drum and the highly spiritual messages emanating from these rhythmic beats, MIND fed on these unique rhythms, deeply rooted in the Earth and transcending souls with strength and subtlety.
In addition to this legend, the pianist has also been close to another, Jeff Mills, none other than one of the pioneers of Detroit techno. In 2017, Jean-Phi joined the American on his project Tomorrow Comes The Harvest — which also featured the late Tony Allen. Following their tours, in 2018, the duo produced and recorded a single album, mixed by François Kevorkian and released on the prestigious Blue Note label.
After the sad passing of Tony Allen in April 2020, accustomed to shared sonic trips, Jean-Phi and Jeff Mills did not let themselves be defeated and together launched The Paradox. The following year, they followed up with the album Counter Active, and another, Live at Montreux Jazz Festival in 2022 on Axis Records.
In tribute to their friend, the two musicians resurrected Tomorrow Comes The Harvest, this time including tabla virtuoso Prabhu Edouard. From this new alchemy, Evolution was born, an album released in 2023 that propelled them back on the road for two years, during which they explored continents and connected with the people around them.
For his MIND project, from his stationary yet so mobile vessel, Jean-Phi reimagined himself as an extraterrestrial capable of wandering from planet to planet. Inspired by the history of the mythical Dogon people and their cosmogony, the artist embarked on a quest for his promised land. Each track-title, such as Dogon Theory, For Peace, E Go Na Afihica, Ina Mystical Sirius, represents a chapter in this grand imaginary story revolving around the encounter between this tribe and an alien race with whom they share their knowledge.
This blend of ancient and futuristic cultures creates an atmospheric immersion where, every time one enters a new universe, the mystery is complete. During this journey, thanks to his passion for playing all instruments, from the TR 808s to modular synthesizers and analog keyboards, as well as his chromatic balafon and sanzas, Jean-Phi Dary explores a multitude of realms. These territories, where modern rhythms are born from the most traditional, where the groove serves the trance, where minor harmonies sketch landscapes.
After a series of singles & remixes releases between 2024 & 2025 : For Peace Remixes EP Vinyl, Between Space & Time, A Dogon Theory Triptyk and Cosmogony Afrodeep remix, the album MIND, whose ten tracks were mixed by the iconic French producer I:Cube, will be released in early 2026 under Eric Trosset’s pioneering afrobeat label, Comet Records.