| Have
you had the chance to see
Frédéric perform
lately? If so, tell us, and
others, what you thought about
the show.
Here are
what some music critics and
journalists had to say...
"The show is magic, and it’s not static by any means. Stevie doesn’t spend the whole night seated behind the piano, either. At one point, standing, he and guest artist Frederic Yonnet — a Wonder disciple — had a crazy harmonica duel that almost sent Stevie flying off the stage in a frenzy."
Roger Friedman, Fox.com
"Many of us picture Stevie sitting in front of a piano, but his first instrument was the harmonica, and it shows. During "Boogie On Reggae Woman" he stood up from the piano and tore into an intense dueling harmonica jam with virtuoso Frederic Yonnet. Awesome."
Dan Pashman, NPR
"Mr. Wonder performed a comical but impressive harmonica-solo showdown with Frederic Yonnet, another exceptional musician."
Ben Ratliff, New York Times
"Harmonica
has played a monumental role
in the blues idiom but in
jazz it has been employed
successfully by only several
musicians, Toots Thielemans,
Howard Levy and Frédéric
Yonnet coming to mind as three
who have made significant
contributions in the instrument."
W. Royal Stokes - Jazz
Times
"Fred
has an extraordinary ability
for wringing torrents of emotion
out of that tiny instrument,
the harmonica."
Rhome Anderson, mp3.Washingpost.com
"A
true virtuoso."
Eric Brace, Washington
Post
Reviews
Reviewer:
Randy McElligott, ejazznews.com
& jazzreview.com
Belgian harmonicist Toots
Thielemans has long been
considered one of the finest
musicians ever. Now there
is a new kid on the block.
French born Frédéric
Yonnet has released an album (Front
Center) featuring his unique
approach to the instrument.
Drawing on soul, rock and
jazz standards, Yonnet weaves
his magic to create a diverse
and pleasant session.
"Boogie On Reggae Woman" is
one of the most rhythmically
satisfying pieces from the
great Stevie Wonder. In Yonnet's
capable hands, the melody
is even funkier than the original
with plenty of improvisation
and drive. Every bar pushes
the envelope further resulting
in a never-ending orgy of
funk and sass.
The
beautifully relaxed version
of "God Bless
The Child" is performed
with style and affection.
Yonnet's control and focus
shine throughout, digging
deep into various melodic
possibilities. There is excellent
backing from the band.
The
Marvin Gaye classic "What's
Going On?" is performed
with warmth and balance.
The band is tight and spot
on. Evan's soulful contribution
adds richness and harmonic
balance. Yonnet exits on
a high note revisiting the
melody one more time.
Cyndi
Lauper's beautiful "Time
After Time" is given
a soulful working with Yonnet''s
moving harmonica taking center
stage. Although subdued at
times, Yonnet manages to
retain the melody throughout.
This is another fine display
of how to sustain a melody
without losing control.
If
there were one standout
on this beautiful recording,
it would be Yonnet's touching
version of "Amazing
Grace". Recorded live
in concert before an appreciative
audience, Yonnet puts his
heart and soul on the line
with a gut busting and unforgettable
rendition, that is not soon
to be forgotten.
Judging from the musical
and sonic quality of this
auspicious debut, Front Center
introduces the world to not
only a fine harmonicist but
also a musician searching
for that elusive voice. With
a first rate band, inspired
performances and a desire
to explore new frontiers,
Yonnet is well on his way
to becoming a key performer
deserving wider recognition.
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