Spring 2002
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A lot has been happening here at Fifty Fifty Music. Here are some highlights.
Fifty Fifty Music is releasing two new albums in March of 2002 - from veteran singer/songwriters GABRIEL YACOUB and MINDY JOSTYN
GABRIEL YACOUB
"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 (212) 366-5982) To announce the release, he is back in the U.S., performing here for the first time in over six years.
When you think of Gabriel Yacoub, you think of the founder, voice and soul of the innovative French group Malicorne. Yacoub first came to the fore as the teenage back-up guitarist and singer with Brittany's pioneering Celtic harpist Alan Stivell in the early 1970s. Stivell's blend of ock and the old world inspired Yacoub to form a band that was soon to become a landmark in contemporary French music. Unearthing some of France's finest jewels from its own traditional music, Malicorne offered us their remarkable fresh approach, and succeeded in bringing this music into the limelight at a time when French ears were tuning in to the English speaking world for inspiration.
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 unusualand powerful voicings, into modern songs relevant to our times. Capturing the attention of the public and music professionals world-wide, they were awarded three gold records as well as the coveted Grand Prix de L'Acadamie du Disque Français.
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.
And here's what the press says about Gabriel:
"As mesmerizing as a Gregorian chant and as intense as a Villon ballad, a song by Gabriel Yacoub can insinuate its way into your internal jukebox until you hear yourself singing French refrains without knowing a word of French
-- NARAGANSETT TIMES.
"Yacoub's voice is liquid and reedy, his guitar work brilliant: rich contrapuntal lines and a classical technique which, sounded on steel strings, gives his instrument the fullness of a harpsichord."
-- VANITY FAIR.
MINDY JOSTYN
It's been awhile since we've heard new material from Mindy Jostyn. But the new album is finally here!
Mindy Jostyn spent over two years working on her new album "Blue Stories". It was a marathon effort, with contributions from a veritable who's who of backup musicians including Carly Simon. The result is a stunning album - with warm and passionate performances that complement her sophisticated yet accessable songwriting.
Although its official release date is in March '02, we have the album in stock - order online or by calling (212) 366-5982.
For those of you who may not be familiar with Mindy's work, here's a short bio:
Whoever said that experience is the best teacher must have had Mindy Jostyn in mind. The multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist singer/songwriter seems to have done everything except play by the rules during her career, opting instead to follow her own unique path. And what a path it has been so far. Jostyn went from years of performing at weddings and barrooms to playing in arenas with Billy Joel, Joe Jackson and John Mellencamp to recording her debut album, "Five Miles From Hope" (also on Fifty Fifty Music), with help from friends like Carly Simon, Donald Fagen and Garth Hudson.
When you combine an accordionist, a violinist, a guitarist, a mandolin player, a harmonica playerand a dynamic singer and performer into one single package, you get a true musical gem. Jostyn's talents shone through as a backup musician, and have now earned her a place in the spotlight as a solo artist.
And here's what ARTISTS and the PRESS say about Mindy
"Mindy Jostyn is a soulful, distinctive singer, as well as a great violinist and harmonica player - in other words, she has at least enough talent for three normal people!"
-- JOE JACKSON
"I'm not afraid of sounding hyperbolic about Mindy. She could hardly be more talented."
-- CARLY SIMON
"The unsuspecting crowd was blown away by the unannounced opener - a human barnfire named Mindy Jostyn... Jostyn hasan all-pro presence, singing large and moving beautifully, and playing brilliantly on harp, guitar, and violin... She'll be back."
-- METROLAND (Albany, NY)
"You can't do without this album."
-- VICTORY REVIEW (Seattle, WA)
"Mindy Jostyn has transformed a wealth of work with fine musicians into a solo recording that equals any of her 'bosses' work,and may even go them one better. This superb music no matter which way you turn it for inspection."
-- MUSIC REVIEWS QUARTERLY
That's the news from Midtown in the Apple.
Fifty Fifty Music staff
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