Harmonica player Frederic Yonnet has been making music since he was a teen, and his talents have led him to work with artists such as Erykah Badu, Anthony Hamilton and Stevie Wonder. On Saturday, he’ll play at THEARC as part of “A Mighty Stream,” a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. that includes the National Symphony Orchestra and recording artists Shirley Murdock and Byron Nichols. Here, Yonnet discusses how his instrument can do more than the rest.
Also, read ARTIST EXPLAINED where Yonnet talks about Erykah Badu’s eye for the harmonica.
Anthony Hamilton, one of the most consistent hit makers in soul music, released his highly anticipated new project “Back To Love” this week and urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet adds his gritty soulfulness to the track Mad.
Hamilton, who co-wrote all the songs on the project, attracted an impressive array of producers and production teams including the legendary Babyface – who produced three of the tracks including Mad. James Poyser (the Roots; Erykah Badu), Jerry WondaDuplessis (the Fugees, Wyclef Jean) and Salaam Remi (the Fugees; Nas; Amy Winehouse). Collectively, they take “Back to Love” forward with both retro styling and contemporary beats. (more…)
Remember when everyone wanted to be a FOB (Friend of Bill)? Now, it looks like President Bill Clinton has become an FOF (Friend of Frederic), or at least a fan of his music. The former President shared the stage with the band at a recent private event. No, it didn’t have his sax but he totally appreciated the sax-like sounds coming from Yonnet’s harmonica.
Pictured (l to r): Dennis Turner, Vince Evans, Carla Sims, Frédéric Yonnet, President Bill Clinton, Wayna, Chris Bynum, Robbie McDonald, Jawanza Rand and Walter Riley.
Urban jazz harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet is featured in the new NRDC Natural Resources Defense Council’s Green Gift Campaignwhich promotes giving gifts that are good for the environment. Of course, gifts that help clean the air are at the top of Yonnet’s list, especially since he has asthma.
The vignette-driven campaign, which launches this month, features several celebrities including punk rockers Green Day, actress Kyra Sedgwick (The Closer), producer Laurie David,(Inconvenient Truth), the Aqualillies, and actor Tony Shalhoub (Monk). Mini-Fred is played by Frederick Cobb.
[Washington, DC] Urban Jazz Harmonicist Frédéric Yonnet and Ethiopian-born signer/songwriter Wayna know that music won’t heal the pain of a sickle cell crisis but they’re betting it can raise awareness of the inherited blood condition.
On Saturday, November 19, they will preview their new collaboration at the Third Annual “Mo’ Than Jazz” Sickle Cell Benefit Concert hosted by Florida Avenue Baptist Church (FABC) for the benefit of Faces of Our Children, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, support and funding for the fight against the sickle cell disease. Yonnet, a Stevie Wonder protégée, and Wayna, a 2009 Grammy nominee, are keeping a tight lip on the specifics of the song. However, it’s expected that Yonnet’s “in your face” approach to the harmonica along with Wayna’s thoughtful lyrics and unpredictable, yet timely phrasing, will create a powerful anthem. Florida Ave Baptist Church’s choir Adoration will also be featured during the concert. (more…)
Over 25 youth participated in the Sultata Project Downrigging harmonica workshop offered on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2011.
Yonnet Rocks the Boat in Chestertown
[October 7, 2011] Where can you see a fleet of tall ships assembled in one of America’s best preserved historic seaports, listen to performances from world-class musicians… sit in on lecture or workshop, and sail on some of the most beautiful sailing ships anywhere? Downrigging Weekend 2011, that’s where!
The harbor and wharfs of Chestertown, MD will be filled to capacity on the weekend of October 27-30, 2011, as ships, schooners, skipjacks, buyboats and wooden boats of every conceivable shape and size make their way to Chestertown to celebrate the end of the sailing season during Sultana Projects’ eleventh annual Downrigging Weekend.
The harbor will never be the same after Urban Jazz Harmonicist Frederic Yonnet and his band “rock the boat” at the Garfield Center for the Arts. For those inspired to revisit the instrument that they have laying around the house, Yonnet will host a workshop on the waterfront for kids and adults. For more information visit sultanaprojects.org.
Free Youth Workshop Saturday, October 29, 3:00-4:00 PM Downrigging Pavilion at the Foot of High Street Sponsored by Kent County Arts Council
Frédéric Yonnet hit the runway at the 27th Annual Howard University Alumni Brunch and Fashion Show on October 23, 2011 at the Wardman Park Marriott. Sponsored by Bloomingdales and produced by Stephany Greene, the show included collections from Tory Burch, Rachel Roy and Theory, and a live performance from Yonnet and his band. ABC’s Cynné Simpson hosted the event and Yonnet, after modeled in the “Networking” and ‘Monochrome” series, decided he’d stick to playing the harmonica. Yonnet wore designer Hans Ubbink.
Frédéric Yonnet pauses to serenade model, Monica as they hit the catwalk during Howard University Annual Alumni Fashion Show. Photo credit: AlexandeVeni Photography
Reprinted from the Washington Post, January 1, 2012
