Chanson: Albin de la Simone
Hamburg International Music Festival
Snapshots of life
The father liked and played old-time jazz, and so the son inevitably headed in the opposite direction initially when it came to jazz and the piano. Albin de la Simone still composes on the piano, and his chansons benefit, in terms of harmony and melody, from the freedom offered by bebop and modern jazz. Sophisticated, almost minimalist arrangements – featuring strings, accordion, harp, electric guitar, bass, drums and piano – are the perfect showcase for de la Simone’s delicate French voice and unmistakeable timbre. His finely crafted lyrics are like snapshots of life, and they always enter into an intimate connection with the music they give rise to. And before you know it, his songs accompany you through the day like familiar friends.
Born in Picardy in 1970, the musician owes his unusual name to the Simone, a stream in the département of l’Aisne. Albin de la Simone was formerly the musical director of the pop-chanteuse Vanessa Paradis, he often writes and arranges for other artists, and he is involved with a whole host of productions – including with Pomme, who is also performing in Hamburg as part of the Music Festival’s chanson mini-spotlight. De la Simone has released a number of records under his own name. The last two in particular, »Un Homme« (2013) and »L’un de nous« (2017), reveal a masterful and mature artist.
Performers
Albin de la Simone vocals, guitar, bass, piano
Marie Lalonde guitar, bass
Marielle Chatain saxophone, piano, synthesizers
Franck M’Bouéké drums
Festival
Hamburg International Music Festival
Spotlight
Chanson