Founded in Tbilisi in 2013, IRIAO is an ethnic jazz group that presents traditional Georgian music in jazz fusion arrangements. Bandleader David Malazonia, regarded as one of the first Georgian composers to combine the two genres in his own original compositions, builds this synthesis on Georgian polyphonic singing, recognized by UNESCO as ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’. It is performed with 3 vocalists, piano, bass, drums and ethnic instruments.
Taking its name from the phrase "iriao-uruao", often used in the traditional song style ‘Krimanchuli’, the group has won praise from Georgian audiences and music press and has performed at international festivals and contests such as Java Jazz, Borneo Jazz, Alfa Jazz, Baku Summer Jazz Days and Eurovision.
The group performs in the 8-piece line-up below and also appears with symphony orchestras and big bands.
