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Blowing Your Mind In Every Key of the Harp
Frederic Yonnet
One of a handful of musicians to successfully demonstrate the harmonica's versatility as a lead instrument in contemporary jazz. "Mind blowing," is a common response after listening to his sampler cd.
Collection Contents
| # | Title | Length | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Amazing Grace (live) | 4:31 | Play |
| 2 |
|
Artspace | 4:11 | Play |
| 3 |
|
Chicken | 3:23 | Play |
| 4 |
|
Eden Legrand | 4:02 | Play |
| 5 |
|
Autumn Leaves | 5:22 | Play |
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Description
When it comes to the harmonica, French-born, contemporary jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet knows how to turn skeptics into believers. Most people perceive the harmonica as a "side" instrument used in country and blues. Yonnet, however, is one of a handful of musicians to successfully demonstrate the harmonica's versatility as a lead instrument in contemporary jazz, as well as other genres of music.
Self-described as an "old spirit", you know after listening to one set that Yonnet has "been here before." Just listen to his sound. It funks. It rocks. It hips and hops. It grooves. It sways. It testifies. It prays. It has a reverence for blues and jazz while appealing to a generation raised on pop-rock and hip-hop.
As part of a wave of musicians emerging from Europe's jazz underground, Yonnet began his harmonica career at age 19. Committed to his music, he devoted much of his time to performing in Parisian clubs and touring Spain, Germany and Africa. He also made frequent guest appearances as part of the house band on the French television network Canal Plus.
He eventually moved to the U.S. where he has developed a reputation as one of the most innovative mouth harp virtuosos in the country. He has performed with such notable musicians as Diane Schuur, Branford Marsalis, Ivan Neville and Luther Allison. After hearing him play in Nashville, Tennessee, representatives from Weltmeister, a Germany-based harmonica company, commented, "We've never heard anyone play the harmonica like that before." Since then, Yonnet and Weltmeister have teamed up to change the way the music industry and music enthusiasts regard the "pocket" instrument.
His ability to play chromatic scales on the diatonic harmonica gives him an unlimited range of notes and sounds, of which he takes full advantage. Yonnet demonstrates his command of technique and skill by masterfully bridging the gap between the diatonic and chromatic harmonicas -- impressing fans of both.
Yonnet's first, self-produced sampler cd, appropriately titled, Blowing Your Mind in Every Key of the Harp! showcases his musical range and fearless improvisations. "Mind blowing," is a common response after listening to his live version of Amazing Grace. The first stanza of Amazing Grace is soulfully paced while the second is highly energetic and spirit-filled. "Amazing Grace was actually a 'jam' recorded live at a church in Los Angeles," said Yonnet. "I had never played with the musicians before but once we connected, it was very powerful." This track is a good indication of the energy that comes through in his live performances.
The cd also includes original treatments of the jazz standard, Chicken, and the French standard, Autumn Leaves, a duo of bass and harmonica. French harmonicist and writer Michel Herblin write the two original tunes, Eden Legrand, which starts slow and builds to an intense and funky groove, and ArtSpace 1.0., which has a jazzy, reggae beat.
While Yonnet's cds are impressive, it is his live performances that get all the praise. Accompanied by a bass, guitar, drums and keyboard, Yonnet pushes even the most seasoned musicians with his endless energy and enthusiasm. A multi-faceted performer with exceptionally strong stage presence, Yonnet totally engages the crowd with his warm spirit and playful musical banters with the other musicians. "I like to get the audience involved because I want them to have as much fun listening as I have playing." said Yonnet.