CAZAYOUX is a collective music project created in Austin, Texas of 2021 by Forest Cazayoux, an adventurous drummer, composer, and bandleader born and raised in New Roads, Louisiana. The obvious groove-driven, exploratory approach roots back to Forest’s early childhood of falling in love with drumming through Mardi Gras and marching band traditions, where rhythm functioned both as celebration and community.
That early pull towards the drum, set the foundation for a lifelong musical journey leading to a range of creative projects - CAZAYOUX being a defining expression. The project embodies a deep connection to rhythm, improvisation, and collective interplay, drawing from funk, Afrobeat, and jazz traditions while remaining rooted in groove, connection and immersive experience.
OUR STORY
Built as a fluid and evolving ensemble, CAZAYOUX features a dynamic core including alto saxophonist Damien Valenzuela and bassist Alex Freeman, with key contributions from collaborators Fumi Sugawara, Tate Christian, and Aboubacar Sylla, whose presence has helped shape the group’s rhythmic and sonic identity. The addition of veteran baritone saxophonist Joe Woullard brought a powerful new voice into the fold, while newest member Patrick Harwell continues to expand the collective’s sonic palette.
Cazayoux’s work is defined by a commitment to forward motion and connection—bringing together diverse influences into a sound that is both grounded and expansive. Whether on stage or in the studio, CAZAYOUX thrives on energy, interplay, and the spirit of collaboration.
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![CAZAYOUX - Horizon [Live]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OyhCe2Iujfk/maxresdefault.jpg)
![CAZAYOUX - Raijin [Visualizer]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bLtjPmjfps8/maxresdefault.jpg)
