Stöht Malaẁëlëkaahm served as the Kobaïan name for Didier Lockwood during his tenure with the rock band Magma. This French musician established a career centered on the electric violin, utilizing amplification to alter the instrument's sonic output while bridging the gap between rock and jazz traditions throughout a prolific recording life that spanned over four decades.
Early Development and Magma
Born in Calais in 1956, Lockwood pursued formal training at the École Normale de Musique de Paris Alfred Cortot. His early musical trajectory was significantly influenced by violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, specifically after hearing the album King Kong: Jean-Luc Ponty Plays the Music of Frank Zappa. This exposure prompted his transition to the electric violin. During the 1970s, he joined the French rock ensemble Magma, appearing on recordings such as Live/Hhaï and Retrospetkiẁ III.
Solo Career and International Projects
Lockwood released his first solo album, New World, in 1979. He recorded over 20 albums as a leader throughout his career. Between 1994 and 1996, he resided in New York City, where he produced the albums New York Rendez-Vous and Storyboard. His discography includes collaborations with various artists, such as Francois Cahen on the 1978 release Thank You Friends, as well as joint projects with Solal and the group Caron/Ecay/Lockwood.
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Beyond his experimentation with electronic sound, Lockwood maintained a strong connection to traditional jazz, most notably through his relationship with Stéphane Grappelli. He recorded a dedicated tribute album to the artist in 2006. His own notable works include compositions such as Cold Moon and The Blind Orchestra. His contributions to the French music scene earned him several distinctions, including the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour and Officer of the National Order of Merit in 2006.
Death and Burial
Didier Lockwood died of a heart attack on 18 February 2018 in the 18th arrondissement of Paris. He was 62 years old at the time of his passing. He is buried at the Montparnasse Cemetery.
Fast facts
- Born: 1956, Calais, France
- Died: 18 February 2018, 18th arrondissement of Paris
- Primary Instrument: Electric violin
- Notable Band Membership: Magma
- Education: École Normale de Musique de Paris Alfred Cortot
- Awards: Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Jazz Awards: Victoires du Jazz (1985, 1986)
Questions readers ask
What was Didier Lockwood's Kobaïan name?
While performing with the band Magma, he was credited under the name Stöht Malaẁëlëkaahm.
What inspired Lockwood to play the electric violin?
He was influenced by violinist Jean-Luc Ponty, specifically after listening to the album King Kong: Jean-Luc Ponty Plays the Music of Frank Zappa.
Where is Didier Lockwood buried?
He is buried at Montparnasse Cemetery.
Achievements
- Knight of the Legion of Honour
- Commander of the National Order of Merit — 2016
- Officer of the National Order of Merit — 2006
- Notable work: The Blind Orchestra
- Notable work: Cold Moon
- Instruments: violin
- Genres: jazz, jazz fusion and Gypsy jazz
