Gabriel Yacoub: An Interview and a Tribute

Those who know me well know of my love for singer-songwriters from around the world. Around 30 years ago I developed an interest in French singer-songwriters, both from Quebec and France. It was back then when I discovered Gabriel Yacoub. His voice, words, and presence took me totally off guard and I became deeply attached to his music. I can't remember the source, but I recall years ago reading an article in which Yacoub's voice was described as being like honey. That's a good comparison: sweet and rich, while also full of emotion and texture. 

I was devastated last week to see a post come across my Facebook feed saying that Gabriel Yacoub died on January 22nd at the age of 72. In a time of lots of loss of great musicians, this one is hitting me the hardest thus far. His music penetrated my soul. He wasn't a huge star in the commercial sense, but this is a classic case of "if you know, you know." He was a true artist in more than one sense (he was also a visual artist) and influential to those of us privileged enough to have known his work. 

In 2003, when I was actively working as an arts journalist, I was lucky enough to interview Gabriel Yacoub on the phone. It was published on an earlier version of this website and is one of the few English language interviews with him. I figured this is as good a time as any to republish that interview with the hope that it will help support keeping his memory and music alive. 

CD Review: Francesca Blanchard's 'Deux Visions'

Francesca Blanchard
Deux Visions
Vis-A-Vis Records

Deux Visions is translated as "two visions." In this case, the double references pertain to a French upbringing and current residence in Vermont. The songs are pop, folk, and rock oriented with both English and French lyrics. The melodies are pure heaven, as anyone with a familiarity with Carla Bruni, Francois Hardy, and Souad Massi. The tender vocal sound is intimate, poignant, and emotive. The light, contemplative ballad, "The Sea," is a fitting ending to a wonderful album, but the pop-rock brilliance of "Empty House,"  "Save A Different Way," and "Rame" showcase Francesca's innate ability to convey musical emotion with great melodies and rhythms in the same vein as the above-mentioned artists. Nevertheless, Francesca makes her mark in a very good way. Anyone with an interest in French pop and rock will love Deux Visions...and probably everything she releases in the future. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Le Vent Du Nord's 'Tetu'

Le Vent Du Nord
Tetu
Borealis Records

Quebecois-origins aside, Le Vent Du Nord is a magnificient folk music group with hearty strings, thought-provoking vocals, intense melodies, raw hurdy-gurdy sounds, and other elements that are likable and timeless. There are instrumental and vocal medleys throughout. The instrumental and bouncy, "Cardeuse-Riopel," is an excellent example of piano, fiddle, accordion, and other instruments coming together in a harmonic fashion. The folksy roots and earthy feel to the album stems from the talented cast of musicians, including Nicolas Boulerice, Olivier Demers, Rejean Brunet, and Simon Beaudry. Fifteen tracks round out the album. Some of the songs are under two-minutes, but a majority of the songs are two to five-minutes long. There is a classical quality to the music, but there is a strong Quebecois element highlighting the best of French-Canadian folk music. Start off on the right foot with Le Vent Du Nord. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hot Club Of The Americas' 'Federico Britos Presents...'

Hot Club Of The Americas
Federico Britos Presents Hot Club Of The Americas
3 Knocks Entertainment

As a tribute to the music of The Hot Club of France and led by violin-wielding Federico Britos, the Hot Club Of The Americas, brings us a world-class recording with North American jazz sounds, Latin elements, South American folk, and Cuban percussion for a spectacular result. A native of Uruguay, Federico knows how to liven up any composition with earthy strings, bouncy rhythms, and jazzy interludes that are full of vivacity. A dozen songs feature a host of guest musicians, including Hendrik Meurkens, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Antonio Adolfo, in addition to the regular line-up of Federico, Jorge Garcia (guitar), Felix Gomex (piano), Renyel Rivero (bass), Edwin Bonilla (percussion), and Carlomagno Araya (drums). In short, there are plenty of Gypsy and Latin-influenced jazz with a good deal of folk and classical thrown in rather appropriately. The  mostly instrumental album reinvents the jazzy 1960's era with engaging, moving, and lounge-ready songs that sway along in a lazy manner like a sultry, mid-summer afternoon on a quiet, Havana beach. Anyone with a fascination in world jazz and Latin/Gypsy concoctions will love Hot Club Of The Americas. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Afrorockerz's Self-Titled Release

The Afrorockerz
The Afrorockerz
Buda Musique

Paris-based and soon-to-be-world-known, The Afrorockerz, combine the elements of a West African night-club with the action-packed sound of Euro-jazz and American soul for a truly pleasant recording. The funky rhythms are spearheaded by vocalist, Allonymous and Emma Ladji, while Sylvain Daniel is in charge of bass, keyboards, and programming. Though, the brainchild of the album, Julien Jujju Raulet, is a master guitarist, percussionist, and drummer. The group includes the percussion talents of Frederic Jean, Maxime Zampiere, Eric Durand, and keyboard credits from Guillaume Poncelet. Some of the tunes are edgy and urban-esque, but not too dissimilar from typical West and Central African funk and jazz. The group's eerie keyboard sounds and pervasive beats that change direction without notice are all very attractive elements on the album. There are even a few rock guitar displays. Still, anyone into Afro-funk and jazz will love The Afrorockerz. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Violette's 'Falling Strong'

Violette
Falling Strong
Self-Release

A native, French chanteuse, Violette brings together warm song of incredible complexity and life with swirling piano melodies and somewhat bluesy, pop song creations on her latest release, Falling Strong. Now based in Brooklyn, Violette does not stray too far from her French song origins. There are classical, jazz, pop, rock, and folk elements throughout. Each song is catchy and beautifully-executed with vocals as sweet as sugar and melodies as fluid as a babbling brook. With vocals akin to Michelle Branch and Norah Jones, Violette knows how to evoke images of love, happiness, and hope with lyrical stories. Fans of piano, pop, rock, ballads, and a few French-lyric songs will love Violette's latest offering. The album is so good it should be 'falling' up the charts! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Piers Faccini & Vincent Segal's 'Songs Of Time Lost'

Piers Faccini & Vincent Segal
Songs Of Time Lost
Six Degrees Records

Vincent Segal and Piers Faccini reunified after twenty-five years for an impressive duet on Songs Of Time Lost. Vincent is a cellist and Piers is a guitarist and vocalist. The thirteen songs weave a delicate array of laid-back, neo-classical, and jazzy compositions. The entire project is a mix of French, English, Italian, and Mediterranean melodies and rhythms. There are some original songs, traditional songs, and covers. Vincent's previous releases have garnered attention for successfully blending different musical cultures and directions and this new album flows the best. The poetic vocals float effortlessly along the strings of guitar and cello. The music is very relaxing and evocative at the same time without sounding too pretentious. Fans of Vincent Segal, neo-classical music, fusion, world jazz, and European music will love Songs Of Time Lost. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lo'Jo's 2-CD '310 Lunes'

Lo'Jo
310 Lunes [2-CD]
World Village

The French group, Lo'Jo, brings us a new double-disc release of instrumental world jazz, Balkan delights, and impressionistic displays of musical ingenuity on 310 Lunes. Though, the second disc, The International Courabou, was originally released in 1989. At any rate, the music is adventurous, suspenseful, cinematic, and easy-going. There is a bit of North America, Europe, and the Middle East in the release. The music is arranged by Renaud-Gabriel Pion with guests including Magic Malik, Roswell Rudd, Erik Truffaz, and Hasan Yarimdunia. There are even neo-classical influences that mimic soundtracks and scores of America's early films from the 1940's and 50's. The second disc is more world fusion oriented with percussion and a contemporary rock beat. Still, there are neo-classical elements, but the vocals add another dimension to the music. As a set, the albums are dynamic and multi-dimensional with enough pizzazz to satisfy all world jazz aficionados. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: The Toure-Raichel Collective's 'The Paris Sessions'

The Toure-Raichel Collective
The Paris Sessions
Cumbancha

As a follow-up to their 2012 The Tel Aviv Sessions, The Paris Sessions continues to bridge the musical worlds of Israel and Mali together. The collective is Vieux Farka Toure and Idan Raichel. Vieux Farka Toure is the son of the late-Ali Farka Toure, and one of Ali's best guitar jams, "Diaraby," is included. Most of the songs are instrumental jams that are jazz and African-influenced. The collective is joined by musicians, Niv Toar, Daby Toure, Abdourhamane Salaha, Seckouba Diabate, Eyal Sela, and Dialimory Sissoko. The piano adds a plaintive touch to the music, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The vocals are not too showy or overdone. In fact, the entire production is quite poignant, mature, and timeless. The music was recorded in France over Mali, due to the societal/political instability. At any rate, the result is a fantastic overview of Israeli and Malian tunes coming together in a sort of fusion that works. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Meikhaneh's 'La maison de l'ivresse'

Meikhaneh
La maison de l'ivresse
Self-Release

France's Meikhaneh produces intriguing music inspired by Central Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. The group incorporates a little Central Asian throat-singing on "Jaran tsagaan aduu." Maria Laurent's sweet vocals and her stately morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) combines to form a unique blend of vocal and instrumental music. Maria is joined by Johanni Curtet on guitar, dombra, various chants, as well as Milad Pasta on tombak, daf, and udu drum. The music is more French inspired with wistful melodies and breezy vocals on "Mellekdal" and a more somber tone on "La fille qui tourne dans une piece blanche." "O leite e o pao" contains more of a flamenco or Portuguese flair. The final track, "Talyn theme," is an improvisational masterpiece with glorious instrumentation and enigmatic vocals that are sweet, sincere, and traditional. Meikhaneh is a group based in France, but their repertoire originates from other world regions. At any rate, Meikhaneh knows how to make an album that is entertaining, memorable, and highly-recommended. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yasmine Hamdan's 'Ya Nass'

Yasmine Hamdan
Ya Nass
Kwaidan Records/Crammed Discs

Lebanese-singer, Yasmine Hamdan, is currently based in Paris, France, but her work extends beyond Europe and the Middle East with her latest release, Ya Nass. The contemporary music contained throughout the album is slightly organic, electronic, and dreamy. This is not dance music or Arabic percussion music, but it does contain some elements of both. Though, Yasmine sticks to a highly modern result with atmospheric electronics and a sweet vocal set-up. The edgy youthfulness of "Shouei," "Samar," and "Deny," represent some laid-back rhythms and melodies that are rather cosmopolitan and adventurous. "Enta Fen, Again" blends some trip-hop, dance motifs with the Arabic vocals. Yasmine tones it down a bit on "Nediya," which provides a more steady almost indifferent beat throughout. At any rate, Ya Nass is an album steeped in Middle Eastern and Arabic sensibilities with contemporary and mature edge that satisfies the soul and moves the body. Buy it today. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Hannah Gill's Self-Titled EP Finds Similarities To The Voices Of Katie Melua With Beth Orton

Hannah Gill
Hannah Gill
Self-Release

The Maryland-native, Hannah Gill, brings a voice to the mix that takes on vocal similarities to Beth Orton, Katie Melua, Adele, and Zero 7--to name a few. However, Hannah combines jazzy horns, folk arrangements, and progressive pop sensibilities with mature vocals that evoke feelings of happiness and contentment. The rather short EP contains six songs that showcase her talent quite well. The opener, "Whisper," is a fitting introduction to the album, but it is not a quiet song. It still is a pop song with some rock arrangements and a great melody. The next track, "I Feel Awake," follows in the same footstep, but it contains some jazzy trumpet and piano. The jaunty, cafe music-tune, "Story Of A Man," is a breezy little ditty that seems to evoke the French music of Francois Hardy, Carla Bruni, and other similar singers. "Two Way Street" is a song rooted in Adele's intimate vocal calisthenics and a vibrant progressive and experimental instrumental backbone. "Medicine" is a rock-infused tune with punchy power pop melodies. "Distance" is a more solemn ditty steeped in beautiful vocals and sweet melodies. Simply amazing! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Ezza's 'Abadaya'

Ezza
Abadaya
Ma Case Production

Tuareg blues guitar music hits the music airwaves once again, but this time it is not Tinariwen, Tidawt, or Toumast. Instead, the North African guitar rockers are Ezza, originally from Niger, but now based in France. The seven track release is loaded with rockin' hooks and licks deep from within the Saharan desert. However, the musical influences may extend beyond the region, but the end result is something of pure magnificence. The fluid guitar calisthenics are very engaging, along with the lead vocals. Fans of North African blues guitar music will like this upbeat recording. Anyone with a passion for African guitar music should check it out, though. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Kevin Seddiki and Bijan Chemirani's 'Imaginarium'

Kevin Seddiki and Bijan Chemirani
Imaginarium
World Village

With ties to France and Iran, Kevin Seddiki and Bijan Chemirani know how to bring us candid, pleasant, and globally-inspired, acoustic music. Kevin is a guitarist, percussionist, and zarb player. Bijan is also a percussionist with specialties in zarb, daf, udu, saz, and others. The thirteen tracks reflect an instrumental blend of Mediterranean, North African, and Central Asian melodies that are very ear-pleasing, while some are quite catchy. The casual music is imaginative, which probably stems from the aptly-titled album name. There are plenty of sonic embellishments that are experimental, creative, and visionary. There are some fast vocals on "On Saturn's Rings." Otherwise, the album is virtually void of vocals. The light music is perfect for relaxing, cafes, and lounging. Kevin and Bijan are truly inventors of a global sound that is anything but dull. ~ Matthew Forss

2-CD Review: Black Bazar's 'Round 2'

Black Bazar
Round 2 [2-CD]
Lusafrica

Conceptualized by writer and producer, Alain Mabanckou in 2012, Alain incorporates guitar rhythms and melodies from Cape Verde, West Africa, and Central Africa. The upbeat songs are dance-laden and possess a wealth of instrumental ear candy. There are even Caribbean and Latin American influences, which are part of the larger African Diaspora. At any rate, Alan employs a host of guest musicians, including Ferre Gola, Soleil Wanga, Flamme Kapaya, Olivier Tshimanga, Roi David, Karashika, Wole Sentimenta, Ize Teixeira, and Tabou Combo. There are thirteen long tunes that are quite contemporary, highly-rhythmic, and purely African concoctions that are full of soul, love, and melody. Anyone familiar with giddy guitar ramblings from the heart of Africa will love it. Black Bazar includes a bonus CD that is a music video of the first album track, "Black Bazar Round 2." ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pierre de Gaillande's 'Bad Reputation Vol 2'

Pierre de Gaillande
Bad Reputation Vol. 2
Vermillion Records

The quirky, comedic, and spoken wordplay of Frenchman, Pierre de Gaillande, is channeled through the original artist, George Brassens. The folkish melodies are quaint and occasionally punctuated with brass horns, guitars, and drums. The carousel-esque ride of a musical journey begins from the beginning of the first track and all the way to the end of the album. The poetic vocals are somewhat sung, but poetry seems to be Pierre's strong-point. The punchy accordion and light guitar accompaniment showcase a variety of poignant stories in a humorous manner. The eleven songs are soulful and unique. Bad Reputation Vol. 2 should receive a good reputation after each listen. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Guinea's Fode Baro Releases a "Mandingo Afro Zouk" 'La Verite'

Fode Baro
La Verite
Lusafrica

The Afro-pop stylings of Fode Baro stems from a combination of Afro-pop tunes and energetic zouk infuences. The rippling guitars are akin to Congolese constructions, but the compositions seem to exude the entire continent of Africa in song, voice, and instrument. La Verite is an eleven track release with catchy, stirring, and energetic tunes with a contemporary vein. This is not a dance or rap album. Instead, Fode explores various sounds and rhythms that create moving melodies from France, as well as his homeland of Guinea. There are lively synths, drums, electronic voicings, and brass sounds that create nothing but a happy response. The real highlights come from "Fago" and "Pourquoi Me Quitter." However, all of the songs are rousing and memorable. Fans of Afro-pop, Guinean contemporary music, and zouk-tinged music will love Fode Baro's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Txutxukan's 'Surf The River Lee'

Txutxukan
Surf The River Lee
Wild Boar Music

Hailing from France, Txutxukan (pron: tchoo-tchoo-ken) is a Balkan/Gypsy group named after the Basque phrase for "puttering about" or "doing odd jobs". However, Txutxukan shows no signs of puttering out or about on their latest release, Surf The River Lee. The group is comprised of Dylan Gully on clarinet, sax, kaval, and recorder; Bruno Hollemaert on guitar, bouzouki, accordion, and banjo; Eric Belot on upright bass and electric bass; Joachim Mouflin on percussion, drum kit, and bouzouki; and Joseph Detailleur on accordion. Special guest musician, Stella Rodrigues, plays the gamelan on "El Din." There are a few vocals for added effects. However, the majority of the album is largely instrumental. The instruments come together to form a Klezmer, Gypsy, and Balkan result that is edgy, dance-laden, and always moving. There is a bit of jazz, classical, and avant-garde influences, but nothing is too overt. The sauntering melodies, uppity percussion, and catchy rhythms are breezy, addictive, and richly-textured. Discover Txutxukan today! ~ Matthew Forss 

CD Review: Banda Magda's 'Amour, t'es la?'

Banda Magda
Amour, t'es la?
Self-Release

Banda Magda is a quirky, bossa-nova-tinged album of delicate little pop songs with a breezy, folksy, and brass-inflected repertoire that is never boring. Magda Giannikou leads the vocal section with almost a French café sensibility that spans the European continent without fault. The musicians involved in the project come from a variety of world regions with Argentina, Greece, Japan, and USA origins. The colorful songs contain strings, brass, percussion, guitars, marimba, piano, and other assorted instruments that give the music a playful and textural feel. This is dreamy chic French pop music with a little classical, jazz, South American, and North American melodies and rhythms. Each song is unique and well-worth repeated listens. Fans of French pop, European pop, creative contemporary music, and world fusion will find comfort in the vocals and instruments showcased on Amour, t'es la?. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Pierre Akendengue's 'Destinee'

Pierre Akendengue
Destinee
Lusafrica

Gabon-born, Pierre Akendengue, has been involved in music for several decades. Pierre studied in France, but returned to Gabon in the 1970s and 80s to continue music. After the landmark album, Nandipo (1974), Gabon music became known to all of Africa and beyond. On the current release, Destinee, Pierre continues in the traditions of popular Gabon music with an Afro-pop vein. The music contains a variety of bows, strings, guitars, drums, flutes, kalimba, balafon, bass, and horns that add some spicy flavor to the culturally-rich and diverse tracks. Pierre's vocals are accompanied by his daughter and a few other vocalists. The equatorial country is at the heart of the world and its musical influences are far-reaching. There are French, Latin, Brazilian, Cuban, and Afro-Caribbean similarities throughout. There are also heady guitar songs that are more indicative of soukous. At any rate, the giddy rhythms, fun vocals, and party-like songs are richly-textured and brimming with infectious Afro-pop grandeur. ~ Matthew Forss