Yonnet Releases First Full-Length CD, Front and Center

Frédéric Yonnet is regarded as one of the most skilled and imaginative young diatonic harmonica players on the international music scene today. Determined to expand the way that people regard the "pocket" instrument, Yonnet uses the harp as a lead instrument in jazz, R&B, pop and neo-soul music. Yonnet's latest CD project positions the musician where he and his harmonica deservingly need to be -- Front and Center.

On this 11 track CD, Yonnet pays homage to one of his musical inspirations, Stevie Wonder, with a speedy version of Boogie on Reggae Woman. In Days Of Wine And Roses, Yonnet shuffles up-tempo workouts with African, Latin and European rhythms to add some "Afropean spice" to the jazz standard. Yonnet goes all out with his bluesy, high-energy interpretation of God Bless The Child. "Including a range of standards and popular cover songs in my repertoire allows people to focus less on the song and more on my interpretation through the harmonica."

As a bonus, three tracks from Yonnet's sampler CD, Blowing Your Mind in Every Key of the Harp, are included on Front and Center. They include a live, spirit-filled version of Amazing Grace, a bass and harmonica duet of Autumn Leaves, and Michel Herblin's original Eden Legrand. "We got such great feedback from people who liked these songs - especially Amazing Grace -- that I was encouraged to include them on my first full length CD", says Yonnet. "The Amazing Grace track 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. No doubt, listeners will appreciate the blessing.

Front & Center was recorded in Paris and Washington, DC. Accompanying Yonnet is Vincent Evans, keyboards, Davis Dyson and Michael Bowie, bass, Stanley Cooper, guitar, Jay Nichols, drums. Select tunes feature Eric Valentine, drums, Amadou "Doudou" N'gome, talking drums, Patrick "Feedback" Serbac, percussions and Michel Randrianarisoa, guitar.

Pick up your copy of Front and Center here or at CDBaby.com or Tower.com. Also available at Borders Books and Music in Washington, DC and Silver Spring, MD.

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