This is the story of a group of musicians from Nice, passionate and brave enough to build their careers in one of the least suitable cities for both music practice and production!
Firstly, their name, Chinaski, is the alter ego of Charles Bukowski, an American writer known for “Tales of Ordinary Madness” and “With the Damned.”
Next, the members of this musical community are imbued with rock and expertly measured lyrics.
Around Jean-Louis Rougier, the author, composer, and performer of the band, there are Antoine Todaro (guitarist), Sebastien Vonnier (bass), Christophe Gianorsi (drums), and Morgan Manzi, a sound engineer and keyboardist who also dabbles in composing. They are all true Natives, far from the fleeting spotlights shining on so many ephemeral false talents, one-day and few-nights academy stars.
Their first album, “Le fiel peut attendre,” allowed the troupe to tour France from La Rochelle (Francofolies 2001, opening for Michel Jonasz) to Bastia (Les Musicales 2001), through Le Printemps de Bourges (2002) and other concerts in the provinces and Paris, always with the same success in the various venues and on numerous stages.
Then, in February 2003, saw the release of a second album, “Toilette intime,” which bore the fruits of recognition in a world much more challenging than the public one, that of music (see the press review below).
The year 2004 allowed for more frequent appearances of Jean-Louis Rougier’s troupe in Nice, and after the stage of Staccato, it was on that of the 700-room of Nikaia where they thrilled a completely supportive public with this refreshed French chanson alongside artists like M, Bénabar, or the evergreen Thomas Fersen.
In addition to having more frequent performances in Nice, 2004 marked the release of an astonishing five-track “Le chemin des allongés”. This latest album is a true Chinaski gem.
Praised by an ever-growing audience, on every stage from the Fnac showcase to the Volume room, Chinaski has been a total hit at home.
The Chinaski made their rehearsal home in Old Nice, where you can find them on November 25th in the beautiful vaulted cellar of Staccato (rue du Pont Vieux) from 9 p.m. before they open for Arthur H on December 10th, 2005 at the Théâtre de Verdure in Nice.
For those unlucky enough not to attend the concerts, you can always visit their new website: https://www.chinaski-web.com
Franck Viano
PRESS REVIEWS
“Plucked from the depths of shabby pubs with stylistic gems, Jean-Louis Rougier’s compositions are careful to evoke nervous laughter, those sad smiles that Nino Ferrer described towards the end of his life with the neologism ‘disillusion’.” Liberation
“The most successful pieces are those that establish themselves as real songs, driven by attractive melodies, all capturing the attention with the text’s power, which pins down everyday scenes with derision and cruelty.” Rock & Folk
“Chinaski reinvents realistic song.” Magic
“Less annoying than Miossec, livelier than Bashung!” Open Mag
“A musical revolt in search of peace and happiness.” Buzz
“More melodic than Miossec and just as relevant.” Dangerous Abuse
