Though rooted in a common cultural heritage, the members of Trio Gentle Tides – Anna Shabalina (Cello, Vocals), Linar Rizatdin (Bass), and Alex Maizlish (Guitar, Vocals) – bring distinct musical journeys to the ensemble. Anna’s classical foundation, built through studies with renowned cellists, blossomed into a passion for exploring jazz, folk, and world music, naturally leading her to the sophisticated grooves of bossa nova. Linar’s versatile bass playing and composing, shaped by experiences ranging from a drama theatre orchestra to a folk-rock group and his Tatar music project “Mubai,” infuse the trio with rich ethnic influences and a deep rhythmic sensibility. It was later, during a period in India, that Linar and Anna formed the “NaMaNa Duo,” arranging favorite songs for cello, bass, musical saw, and their voices – a project whose spirit and some songs now resonate within Gentle Tides. Alex’s foundation in a cappella and choirs, combined with his guitar and vocal talents honed through worldwide performances, brings a distinctive harmonic richness and global perspective to the trio’s sound.
