Front and Center

Yonnet’s first full CD positions the artist where he and his music deservingly belong –Front and Center. The harmonica takes the lead as Yonnet brings it out front and demonstrates its versatility and range.

In Front and Center, Yonnet orients listeners to the musical capabilities of the harmonica by keeping much of the music familiar, covering songs like “Boogie On Reggae Woman,” “Days of Wine and Roses,” “For the Love of You,” “What a Wonderful World” and “God Bless the Child.” Yonnet and his five-piece band perform original treatments of jazz standard as well as two original tunes written in collaboration with French harmonicist and composer Michel Herblin.

Yonnet works double-time playing both the lead melody and some of the background rhythms in “Boogie On Reggae Woman.” Rounding out the sound is Vince Evans on keys, Michael Bowie, bass, Stan Cooper, guitar and Jay Nichols, drums.

Yonnet calls on his friends in Paris to heat up his version of “Days of Wine and Roses.” Madagascan guitarist Michel Randrianarisoa, Senegalese percussionist Amadou N’Gome and Frenchman Patrick Ferbac combined shuffling, up-tempo workouts with African, Latin and European rhythms to give some “Afropean spice” to this jazz standard.

Yonnet is fearless in his bluesy, high energy and moving interpretation of the Billy Holiday classic “God Bless the Child.” He instrumentally croons the lyrics while organist Evans adds soul and bassist Dave Dyson carries the bottom.

The timing and carefree spirit of the originals tunes seem to salute Yonnet’s French Creole culture. Eden Legrand, starts slow and builds to an intense and funky groove, while ArtSpace 2.0 has a jazzy, reggae beat. The title for his first, self produced sampler CD, titled, Blowing Your Mind in Every Key of the Harp! was inspired by audiences responses to Yonnet’s live recording of “Amazing Grace,” a soulfully paced, fearlessly improvised, spirit-filled blues.

“Amazing Grace” was actually a ‘jam’ recorded live at a church in Los Angeles,” said Yonnet. “I’d never played with the musicians before but once we connected, it became very powerful.”

Unbeknownst to Yonnet, the song was recorded and when it was amplified over the church PA system following the service, Yonnet was double blessed that the moment had been preserved. “Amazing Grace” prompted the sampler CD that was ultimately enhanced, renamed and released as Front & Center.

While Yonnet’s CDs are impressive, his live performances get all the praise. Accompanied by a bass, guitar, drums, percussionist 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. “I like to get the audience involved because I want them to have as much fun listening as I have playing.” said Yonnet.