| 1. Amazing Grace |
| 2. ArtSpace |
| 3. Chicken |
| 4. Eden Legrand |
| 5. Autumn Leaves |
Editorial Reviews
When it comes to the harmonica, French-born 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. However, Yonnet 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". As one of the youngest professional mouth harp virtuosos, he began his harmonica career at age 19. Since then, he has devoted all of his time to performing in Parisian jazz and blues clubs and touring Spain, Germany, Africa and the U.S. Formerly, a frequent guest musician on the French television network Canal Plus, Yonnet is quickly changing the groove and image typically associated with the harmonica and harmonica players.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 new wave of musicians emerging from Europe’s jazz underground, Yonnet is poised to change the way the music industry and music enthusiasts regard the "pocket" instrument.
Born in Normandy, France, Frédéric picked up the harmonica after a short stint as a drummer. "I got fired a lot because I kept trying to play the melody," said Yonnet. Eventually, he revisited an instrument he had received as a child. "The harmonica allowed me to play both the melody and the rhythm, "said Yonnet. "Plus the harmonica is much lighter to carry than the drums."
While Yonnets’ 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. "Music is fun and that is what I try to share with the audience."
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. He demonstrates his command of technique and skill by masterfully bridging the gap between the diatonic and chromatic harps -- impressing fans of both.
After hearing him perform in Nashville, Tennessee, representatives from the German harmonica company, Weltmeister, commented, "We’ve never heard anyone play the harmonica like that before." Since then, Yonnet and Weltmeister have teamed up and are positioned to change the way the music industry and music enthusiasts regard the "pocket" instrument.
Product Description
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, which has a jazzy, reggae beat.
Blowing Your Mind in Every Key of the Harp,Frederic Yonnet,FYI Music Group,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.
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