Artemis

Product Description Moussu T e lei Jovents, made up of the founder and singer of Massilia Sound System, Tatou (alias Moussu T, Mister T), and his guitarist, Blu, are now a major presence on the French music scene: an uncontested figurehead of Occitan music, the group is now making a name for itself beyond the frontiers of their homeland. Over the thirty years of their encounter-rich career (Massilia was founded in 1984), they have connected with many people, notably those in the Nordeste region of Brazil and singers like Lénine, Silverio Pessoa and Jamilson Da Silva. From this, the group has drawn their inspiration and fundamental principles. The influence of Marseilles music from the thirties and the popularity of its light operas have also made a major contribution to building the group s repertoire. And aside from these influences, Moussu T e lei Jovents have managed to come up with their own style, half-way between chanson and Mediterranean blues. Now recognised around the whole world, Moussu T e lei Jovents have come to internationally represent the music of their home town. On this album, Artémis , which is their fifth, the influence of blues music stands out more than ever (cf. Embarcatz! , Te n vas de matin , Mistral , Lei rainards , Occitanie sur mer etc.), whether it s in terms of the subjects the songs deal with ( Tout mon temps ) or in terms of their structure. There are more songs than ever in Occitan here, since it's when they work in this language that the group feels the most independent. As in the past, they use a clever mix of light-heartedness and nostalgia, rebellion and powerful hints of poetry, always without the slightest ostentation. Review Gallic charm comes no more engaging than this Marseilles troupe with their melange of cafe chanson, Mediterranean blues and Caribbean flavours, sung in both French and the antique Occitan dialect. This fifth outing typifies their appeal, with gravel-voiced frontman Tatou almost rapping on the funky opener, Embarcatz!, before turning tender on Tentacules, a requiem for lost love, and growling bluesily for the sombre Tout Mon Temps, accompanied by birdsong. Le Bateau brings a nod to Brazil, Sur Ma Serviette is a banjo-driven picnic piece, while Mon Drapeau Rouge offers tribute to Marseilles' socialist tradition. Fresh springtime fare. FOUR STARS --The Observer French groups struggle to gain a foothold in the English-speaking world, so a Marseilles-based outfit that sets some of its songs in Occitan might seem to be a lost cause. Yet it s a testament to the buoyant, bluesy melodies of the husky-voiced Mr T and his pals that any linguistic barrier evaporates within seconds. Fragments of chanson are embellished with banjo, a smattering of Brazilian percussion and medieval folk sonorities on their best album in years. Mistral will resonate with any holidaymaker who has suffered in that piercing wind. --Sunday Times