Modern Rhapsodies

Being foreign I sometimes end up twisting phrases or idioms. It's often comical. English is not my 1st language so I can hide behind that excuse. Some of those twists though are really funny (no, really), and on lucky days, they' re ironic. Nothing like some accidental irony. There is the "chairs have turned", and "everything is going west" and other such treats.  It's cool. I can laugh at myself besides I'm into stuff that's a little different, and that's not just in English grammar. SO here is something different and beautifully haunting...

Switching to French(ness)... in my previous post I mentioned some musical talents, including Maxence Cyrin, who became sort of an obsession. Knowing he was performing as I was landing in Paris last summer, I literally terrorized everyone I was with, and rushed them straight from the airport to the legendary jazz joint Sunside on rue des Lombards. Even though I missed the beginning of the intimate concerto, Cyrin gave such a real and long performance, that I was beyond gratified. All the sweat, scattered friends, rushing and frenzy payed off.

Cyrin was first noticed because of his classical piano interpretations of 80's and 90's musical gems by the likes of Felix, Aphex Twin, Massive Attack ...need I say more?  The first album Modern Rhapsodies didn't just feature pop re-interpreted. Here were house and trip hop songs, that revolutionized their era, seen through this new prism. Since then he has played all of the hottest Parisian spots and clubs. I was obviously curious what treats the new album would hold, and I wasn't dissapointed. There are the Pixies and Cocteau Twins, and just to add enough dimenton, a little popular vulgarism, Beyoncé (right with the fake French accent at the end). But during the concert Cyrin played songs not featured on the album (sadly), by artists such as Bjork. He also freestyled by having the audience throw random words at him which he then musically interpreted. I like the twists his music takes. I like the unexpected effect of familiar sounds served this way; cliché belly up. The new album, Novo Piano, is pretty devastating, though I still think the first, Modern Rhapsodies, is his biggest triumph!