Yvonnick Prené - New York Moments (2019)

The New York jazz scene is embracing a burgeoning new voice of a harmonica player/composer who is from... no, not the deep south of USA but from Paris, France. His recording debut six years ago on SteepleChase LookOut 'Jour de Fête' enjoyed enthusiastic reception from the critics and public alike. This follow up features Hammond organist Brian Charette and drummer Jordan Young.

Prené has been playing harmonica professionally since he was a teenager. He studied music at legendary Sorbonne University (graduated with the master's degree in 2011) and has furthered his studies at City College of New York, New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music and Columbia University. Yvonnick is the founder of New York Harmonica School as well as the author of several books on Harmonica Studies.

"We find a young phenom determine to take the harmonica to a new sense of melodic intensity, dynamic tension and improvisational techniques missing from the instrument on a consistent basis for years...Jour de Fête is a happy record, brimming with an effervescent quality that accentuates the sublime artistic gift of Prené...In short, Prené is the real deal." - Brent Black, CriticalJazz.com

"Jour de Fête marks Prené's debut and it proves to be an excellent showcase for his writing and playing...Classic tunes are peppered throughout the program, but the lion's share of the material comes from Prené's pen. He visits in on a variety of musical areas in his writing, but his instrumental voice remains remarkably consistent throughout...Jour De Fete is his recorded initiation into the fraternal order of jazz harmonica aces; he's now a part of the club for life. - Dan Bilawsky, All Aabout Jazz

Yvonnick Prené harmonica)
Brian Charette (Hammond B3 organ)
Jordan Young (drums)