The Bassalindos are a stellar group of musicians of various backgrounds who blend together pop sense with jazz and latin flavors and Arabic instruments and elements in a thrilling and riveting combination of rhythms, textures and colors. The group was founded in 2003, in Montreal, beginning as a bare bones trio consisting of Bass, Drums and Voice. This exposed and revealing combo grew to include guitar and then finally, oud and dirbacka. Now the Bassalindos are established, flourishing and enjoying much deserved praise, attention and admiration.

It all began when singer….

Christine Atallah was hiding away from the spotlight and joined a local jazz and gospel choir. "I wanted to recapture some of the simple enjoyment of singing just for pleasure and thought that I could conceal my being a professional musician." She explained. She thought that she could withhold her occupation from the others and strove to remain unnoticed among the choir while savoring being a part of the small ensemble. Not so. Christine’s powerful voice and technical prowess leapt to the attention of choir members and director, Ted Phillips and ultimately, Basil de Sousa, the smooth virtuoso drummer who took part in the combo accompanying the chorus. Her cover well and truly blown, Christine sang solos and took a prominent role in the singing group, even offering a vocal workshop and assisting in direction.

After one particularly successful concert, Christine Atallah discussed ideas with that extroverted drum whiz Basil. There was an instant chemistry and affinity between them. Soon they were fast friends discussing the formation of a group. They invited gifted bassist François Lalonde to join them. Christine was imagining an unusual, intimate and exposed formula with the bass taking the foreground as the melodic and soloistic instrument. Basil also envisioned a strong percussive presence using tempo nuances for color and effect. Thus it all originated: beauty and the bass. Bassa- represents the bass- which was the first core instrument of the group and lindo- means beautiful, taken from Spanish. The group existed and performed in this manner for a little under a year. The repertoire touched upon an eclectic assortment of selections chosen with an eye for beauty, simplicity, drama and pulse, as well as some original compositions. The foundation was built, the combo tight, and the personal camaraderie electric and all progressed as it should. Further discussions led to the decision to increase the group by one instrument: the guitar. François Lalonde leapt to the rescue while the group was brainstorming and suggested the brilliant Danny McLaughlin as Bassalindo number four. "You’ll see, he’s a great player and a terrific guy," François assured. No Bassalindo ever regretted this decision. From day one, the personal and musical chemistry between this next version of the group was potent, intensely provocative and very productive, not to mention extremely enjoyable. After just one rehearsal Danny was in studio with the group as they had a session scheduled. The engineer was stunned with the results- the Bassalindos just smiled as they listened to the amazing raw tracks they just cut.

Christine & The Bassalindos were invited to perform in the the 2003 Edition of the Festival du Monde Arabe. Christine, an artist of Lebanese origin, was featured as a new luminary for the festival. Christine’s production company Éditions Productions Arlana, entered into a co-production with the Festival with Christine at the helm of musical direction. The group blossomed into an impressive nine, with five additional invited "Arabic friends" as guests. These prodigious musicians on their traditional Arabic instruments coupled with the jazzy Bassalindo sound and repertoire produced remarkable results. A brave and magic symbiosis of repertoire, colors, textures conveyed the listeners to a place their ears, hearts and minds had never been. Success! A sold out house, rapt audience and rave reviews. Since then, they have not had too much time to look back. They dye was cast, the recipe too evident, delightfully inescapable. The Arabic flavor had to remain and soon, other delicious flavors came into the tasty blend.

One more person absolutely had to be added: the superbly talented Firas Haddad, percussionist, oud and nay player. "When I first saw Firas out on the stage with a drum strapped over his shoulder, playing while walking, I just instinctively knew that I had to have him in my band. He’s a dazzling player and performer." Christine recalls, with a smile. Pleased, and following a gut feeling that she could not name, she walked up to Firas, introduced herself and hired him on the spot. Not much later, she offered him a permanent berth amongst the Bassalindos.

The personal chemistry and rapport The Bassalindos now share is almost palatable and continually elicits favorable reactions.The band has acquired a solid reputation and its renown is growing every day. They easily win hearts, soothe ears and touch imaginations. The bonds they share of empathy, trust, camaraderie and heartfelt admiration are evident in the rare magic of their sound and personal chemistry onstage. Each rehearsal, recording or concert is agreeable to them and thus, gratifying to the listeners who sense a harmony between the artists that goes beyond keys, chords and time signatures. Sincerity, thoughtfulness, and feeling are celebrated with each note.

Though the music is expertly rendered one is not stranded as an observer of amazing technique but rather engulfed by bewitching music of rare beauty. The Bassalindos are proud of their work, dedicated to one another and to their art. They love performing and are profoundly committed to making music and growing together. They strive to move audiences of as many backgrounds creeds, colors as they are, and more. Their manna is music; their inspiration reveals merriment, pleasure and the joyful exuberance which life corresponds to for them. The listener need only embark to experience an exotic panoply of sentiments celebrating freedom from strife, peace and delight, transport and pleasure, equality and love, art and liberty.

While on tour in the Caribbean, the band members entered a gift shop near the beach and began to chat with the locals. "Who are you? What do you do?" inquired the curious locals that hot afternoon. "We’re a band from Canada – we’re called The Bassalindos." A light illumed the face of the patroness of the establishment. She began to tap a beat on the counter and to sing: "Bassa-lindo, bass-a-lindo, bassalindo, bass-a-lin-indo!" Soon, other customers began to dance and all joined in singing, the Bassalindos themselves jumped in to play and sing along in their impromptu tropical party. This magical moment became a song, -one which you will no doubt hear sometime if you twist their arm.