Posts Tagged ‘ Marc Antoine ’

Marc Antoine – Something About Her

somethingaboutherGuitarist Marc Antoine has dedicated his new album Something About Her to his wife Rebeca Vega. Both have known each other for 25 years now and boast of their unchanged love. By the way, they met for the first time during a Spanish TV show, where Marc had a guest appearance as a guitarist, while Rebeca performed as a dancer.

Since his move from Spain to California, which he addressed with his album Laguna Beach (2016), he has decisively intensified his contacts with the local music scene. As a result, his new album features a host of familiar names with a Californian focus. You can read about the densely packed collection of musicians involved in the credits.

With Still In Love Marc makes a musical confession of love to his wife Rebeca. The theme has the feel of a love ballad, which is underscored by the inclusion of strings. The Spanish guitar style of Flamenco echoes gently in the vibration of the strings.

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Marc Antoine – Something About Her

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“It’s all about the voyage for me. I hope I can take listeners along with me to enjoy the voyage,” exclaims Marc Antoine. The Parisian born guitar extraordinaire’s spark for music began as a child. He recalls, “My parents told me that when I was four, I went into a trance while listening to Igor Stravinsky’s ‘The Rite of Spring.’”

The same deep emotion that Antoine felt towards music as a child, has manifested itself in his remarkable ability to translate his powerful connection with music to his listeners. May 21, 2021 Marc Antoine will release his second recording for Shanachie Entertainment, Something About Her, dedicated to his wife Rebeca. “After 25 years, we are still in love,” reflects Antoine. The new recording is a life-affirming celebration that sizzles with dazzling melodies, dancing rhythms and exotic harmonies.

Antoine is joined by many of his all-star friends including keyboardists David Benoit, Brian Simpson, Philippe Saisse and saxophonists Marion Meadows and Greg Vail, among others. “We are all good friends and everybody is magical in their own way,” shares Antoine, who is based in Laguna Niguel, a little town south of Laguna Beach in Southern California. “I prefer going to a studio and recording live with everyone but in this case, the collaborations were done in everyone’s own recording spaces. Technology these days is amazing and I think we still managed to make it sound like a live record. We defeated Covid in a way.” Danny Weiss, Shanachie Entertainment VP of Jazz A&R states, “Marc Antoine’s mastery and depth of expression of both jazz and classical guitar result in an absolutely exquisite style that is both beautiful and profound.”

“I’m a firm believer of things happening for a reason and I think this past year has given a lot of people time for reflection. One thing I know for sure is the world needs some help,” states Marc Antoine. Those who acknowledge the transformative and healing power of music will rejoice in the release of Marc Antoine’s Something About Her. The ten track musical journey is an invigorating collection of songs that showcase Antoine’s impeccable musicianship and vast range of influences. “I like and listen to all kinds of music,” confides the guitarist. “For me it’s like cooking, you can’t cook the same meal everyday, otherwise it would be boring and unhealthy.”

Antoine summons all of the right ingredients on Something About Her and the results are thoroughly satisfying. The album’s tantalizing and exhilarating opener “Still In Love,” features Antoine’s enchanting, melodious and crisp guitar lines, which are accentuated by the percussion of Luis Conté and the horns and flute of Greg Vail and Tony Guerrero. The swinging, breezy Bossa and title track, “Still In Love” is as cool as it gets. The interplay between Antoine and Brian Simpson is pure bliss. “Brian and I have played many gigs together and when I wrote the song, I heard his touch right away.” Bassist Roberto Vally and drummer Joel Rosenblatt round out the ironclad quartet and help to create a high point on the CD. The ebullient “Marco Polo” is a memorable and ear-catching ditty penned by pianist Philippe Saisse, who is also featured on the track. “Saisse and I are long time life brothers,” confesses Antoine. “He’s never far when I record a new project.” The album’s first single “Groovy Sunday,” has all the right ingredients for a perfect day. Antoine’s original features Philippe Saisse, saxophonist Marion Meadows and drummer Gorden Campbell.

Something About Her shifts gears with Marc Antoine’s exquisite waltz “Velvet Night” highlighting Philippe Saisse on vibes, while “Corto Maltese,” composed by Philippe Saisse, transports us on an unforgettable adventure and pays homage to the comic book sailor created by Hugo Pratt. “When Philippe sent me the tune with this title I loved it right away,” says Antoine. “I used to read Corto Maltese adventures when I was a kid. It was pretty out there back then. Philippe loves all those characters and he also has that Italian connection since his mother was born there.” Marc Antoine’s fascinating tapestry of sound on “Eclectic World” conjures up a beautiful world for all. “I think the world would be boring if it was not eclectic,” shares Antoine.

“America is very eclectic with all kinds of people from all around the world. I dream of a world where everybody can get along in harmony!” The R&B inflected “California Haze” shines a different light on Antoine as his guitar lines sail through a laid back groove enhanced the soulful tenor saxophone of Greg Vail. “I have known Greg for a long time. We are now neighbors and our wives are always hanging together so I see him all of the time. He’s way underrated so I wanted to give him a push. “Summer in Technicolor” conjures images of fluttering butterflies, melting popsicles and lazy sun-drenched days. The masterful pianist David Benoit, who helps to create a high point on the album, equally matches Antoine’s joyous vibe. “David and I made the recording So Nice together and we have toured extensively with this project. We’re now very good friends so it was logical for me to have him on this project.” Something About Her closes with the meditative “Song For Sasha,” written for Antoine’s granddaughter. He shares, “She lives on a French island called La Reunion in the middle of the Indian Ocean. I have yet to see her because of the pandemic.”

Revered for his soulful elixir of exotic textures and fluid artistry, guitarist Marc Antoine has been a force of nature on the contemporary jazz scene for over three decades. Classically trained at the International School of Classical Guitar, Antoine was first widely introduced to audiences in the late 80s when he hit the road with Basia. Loved for his unique fusion of classical, jazz, soul and world influences, Marc Antoine quickly became a mainstay on radio and the international touring circuit working with everyone from Sting and Cher to Marion Meadows, Rick Braun, Dave Koz and countless others. Through the years, Antoine has also been first call for the popular Guitars & Saxes All-Star tours and cruises.

Some of the standouts in his illustrious recording catalogue features Gypsy (1995), Madrid (1998), Universal Language (2000), Cruisin’ (2001), Mediterraneano (2003) and Modern Times (2005), Foreign Exchange with Paul Brown (2008), My Classical Way (2010) and Guitar Destiny (2012). In 2012, Antoine faced health challenges and had to undergo major heart surgery. In 2014, after several misdiagnoses, he had surgery to relieve cramping in his hand caused by a previous accident as a teenager. Antoine’s severe nerve damage caused one of his fingers on his left hand to get stuck in an odd position, causing unbearable pain when he would play the guitar. Overcoming these challenges, Marc Antoine is back in top form. The consummate artist recently relocated back to Southern California after living in his wife’s hometown of Madrid for over a decade. Antoine released Laguna Beach in 2016 and his collaboration with David Benoit, So Nice, followed in 2017.

Marc Antoine credits his fans and the search for his own musical truth as the sources for his continued inspiration. “I started playing the guitar when I was about 11 and a year later, I couldn’t let go nor imagine doing anything else. I’m so thankful I have been able to do so much more than I ever hoped for. I have the best fans all around the world. After all these years, they are still here listening to and buying my music. I am grateful. I never tried to copy anything and I always follow my heart.”

Source: Shanachie Entertainment

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Marc Antoine and David Benoit – So Nice!

Guitarist Marc Antoine and pianist David Benoit are both intriguing personalities of the smooth jazz genre. Together they are the surprise packet of the year 2017. So Nice! is their fiery contagious portrait of Latin jazz.

David Benoit performs on this album piano and Rhodes, Marc Antoine acoustic and electric guitars, John “JR” Robinson drums, Ken Wild bass and Luis Conte percussion. Most of the tracks are composed by David Benoit or Marc Antoine, some by other composers.

Anyone who has visited a café in Paris, estimates the flair and the atmosphere of this environment, the view on the Avenue des Champs-Élysées with all its activities. French Café is in contrast to the title no tribute to this institution, but more a mirror of Antoine’s development and affinity for Spanish music. Inspired by the Bossa Nova rhythm Benoit and Antoine sink deeply into the magic of their interplay.

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Marc Antoine and David Benoit – So Nice!

The historic meeting of 2 contemporary jazz giants! These trailblazing artists have scored more than 25 #1 Smooth Jazz radio hits, sold over 2 million albums and toured the world over for more than 20 years! A perfect blending of these great artist’s instrumental styles, So Nice! Combines the cool grooves of Smooth Jazz with the exotic sensuality of Brazilian music, and the result is pure magic. Highlights include Antonio Carlos Jobim’s classic samba “So Danco Samba,” the popular international favorite “So Nice” and eight inspired Benoit/Antoine originals! The first single, the funky “Caminando,” will be worked to the Smooth Jazz format along with extensive touring in support of the album.

All together you can order it now at Amazon.com.

Marc Antoine – Laguna Beach

Born in Paris later resident in Madrid now living near L.A. guitarist Marc Antoine is a global citizen in the true sense of word. His object of desire is specifically his new hometown Laguna Beach (2016).

This place to live is now in the center of his interest and thematic core of his new project. To fulfill his musical dream he got help from Gorden Campbell (drums), Roberto Vally (upright bass), Marco Basci (keyboards), furthermore bassist Armand Sabal-Lecco, saxophonist Greg Vail, percussionists Gumbi Ortiz and Richie Gajate Garcia, and special guests Philippe Saisse (keyboards on “Why Not,” “Deixa” and “New Morning”), Paul Brown (electric guitar solo on “This and That”), Rick Braun (trumpet on “Minority”) and Dutch harmonica master Tim Welvaars (on “Deixa”).

The musical journey begins with Why Not, the fusion point of acoustic guitar of Spanish heritage and the bluesy jazz. That acoustic guitar fits to contemporary jazz horns and piano one can hear note for note.

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Marc Antoine – Laguna Beach

Laguna BeachSince emerging as a force in contemporary jazz in the mid-90s with a trademark sound captured in the title of his debut album Classical Soul, Marc Antoine has shared his joyous musical wanderlust on a discography infused with extraordinary exotic journeys. After living and recording in Madrid – his wife Rebeca’s hometown – for 12 years, the multi-talented Parisian born acoustic guitarist relocated back to Southern California in 2015. While keeping his deep melodic flow and exotic textures front and center, he shares the lighthearted spirit of his exciting new life on his highly anticipated Woodward Avenue Records debut, an homage to his new hometown of Laguna Beach.

Though he recorded some of his most acclaimed recordings while living in Spain – including Hi-Lo Split, My Classical Way, Guitar Destiny and Foreign Xchange, his dual guitar album with current Woodward Avenue labelmate Paul Brown – Antoine often felt stylistically limited when working with locals who were versed mostly in pop and flamenco. He deeply missed the kind of versatility of his musician friends that lived in California, and the camaraderie they shared. Though he began a handful of the nine tracks at his home studio in Madrid, Antoine – who plays nylon string, steel string, electric guitar, keyboards and percussion – was excited and freshly inspired by the musicians he invited to play on Laguna Beach.

In addition to the core rhythm section of Gorden Campbell (drums), Roberto Vally (upright bass) and keyboardist Marco Basci (keyboards) – a unit that Brown (who mixed the album) calls the modern day equivalent of the classic 60’s-70’s pop session unit “The Wrecking Crew” – the guitarist vibes with bassist Armand Sabal-Lecco, saxophonist (and new neighbor!) Greg Vail, percussionists Gumbi Ortiz and Richie Gajate Garcia, and special guests Philippe Saisse (keyboards on “Why Not,” “Deixa” and “New Morning”), Brown (electric guitar solo on “This and That”), Rick Braun (trumpet on “Minority”) and Dutch harmonica master Tim Welvaars (on “Deixa”). Continue reading

Marc Antoine – Guitar Destiny

Born in Paris residing in Spain guitarist Marc Antoine considers himself as a world citizen. Even though the roots of his work are in Spain, he works with artists from all over the world and is often on a global tour.

His new album Guitar Destiny (2012) makes an eloquent testimony for his attitude. He invited many International musicians like Philippe Saisse, Oli Sik, Warren Hill, Louis Conté and more to share his recordings.

His project is inspired by his many travels and musical destiny. Marc has written all songs but received with great gratitude the musical contributions of his fellow musicians.

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Marc Antoine – Guitar Destiny

Guitarist Marc Antoine returns to true form with Guitar Destiny, an instrumental journey illustrating Marc’s pursuit of his long and illustrious career. The album’s ten all-new tracks have a strong connection to Marc. He recalls always stopping to watch the trains go in and out of the station, when crossing an old bridge that was close to his old home when he was growing up in Paris.

Little did he know those train tracks would take him around the world in pursuit of an international and successful career. Marc’s magic touch ties it all up in this wonderful voyage through places and musical genres.

Smooth Jazz Festival Mallorca 2012

In search of the beautiful moments of life there are always opportunities to hold it for a short time. One of those moments was the Smooth Jazz Festival, which first took place in Sa Coma, on the beautiful east coast of the Spanish island Mallorca. The exclusive ambience of the Protur Biomar Gran Hotel & Spa, a 5-star hotel was the awesome venue of this remarkable event.

Despite the not to be underestimated costs by air travel, hotel stay and tickets a surprisingly large number of smooth jazz fans participated in this highlight at this breathtaking place. All brought with them a good mood because they had the occasion to see many friends from last year. With world-class artists such as Uné, David Benoit, Jeff Lorber, Marc Antoine and Warren Hill did nothing to be desired.

Whom alone the appearance of the artist was not enough, could deepen the contact in intensive talks to his idol. Even the great weather, excellent food and fine drinks rounded out the well-being. The program of Friday night opened the agile saxophonist Eric Darius with Settin’ In Off from his album On A Mission (2010). For photographers, it was a difficult task to keep him in the picture, because not only during this piece, but throughout the entire performance, he found himself in motion.

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Marc Antoine – My Classical Way

It starts with toe tapping… By the second chart, your fingers will likely join your tapping toes. Marc Antoine‘s recent CD release, My Classical Way on Frazzy Frog Music, draws in the listener irresistibly. He quickly transports you to the warm sensual breezes of his smooth jazz renditions. These tracks are familiar melodies of classical heavy hitters like Bach, Debussy, Paganini and Vivaldi.

A whimsical and joyful, Paris born Antoine draws heavily on his traditional classical background at Conservatoire de Paris for a solid understanding and delivery of each composer’s intention and personality, deftly translated to the lilting language of 2010 smooth jazz.

The unmistakable, sonorous influence of classical guitarist and mentor, Andres Segovia, winds subtly in and out of the charts, particularly through his rendition of Paganini’s Caprice #24.

The call and response pattern using the initial phrase of Pachelbel’s Canon in a traditional sounding orchestration allows Antoine to use the “straight” version as a counterpoint for his interpretive creativity. Listen closely as it fades in and out of the background seamlessly and perfectly yet surprisingly timed.

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