When you think of Gabriel Yacoub, you think of the founder, voice and soul of the innovative French group Malicorne. For ten years Malicorne revived the magic of what some today call "world music" by integrating currently popular instruments with crumhorns, bagpipes and hurdy-gurdies, with stunning vocal arrangements. They transformed well-chosen traditional and medieval ballads, through unusual and powerful voicings, into modern songs relevant to our times.

Yet Yacoub did not stop there. With Malicorne at its height, he launched a solo career, and developed his own musical personality though still drawing on his traditional background. His lyrics, melodies and superb arrangements reflect the immense experience of fourteen albums and countless influences until now. His work has been described as ...a labyrinth that reveals more beautiful landscapes at every turn. His solo tours have taken him to over 700 American, Canadian and European venues, a remarkable testimony to this musician's stage presence.

"The Simple Things We Said" is Gabriel Yacoub's first release on the Fifty Fifty Music label. (official release date is March '02, but we have copies in hand now - order online or by calling 1-800-PRIME CD) To announce the release, he is back in the U.S., performing here for the first time in over six years.

Gabriel's Website: gabrielyacoub.com