Chromatic harmonicas have never been common currency in jazz. Belgian Toots Thielemans probably came closest to popularizing the instrument in the context, but even his longevity and fecundity couldn’t propel it into a position resembling anything like lasting and widespread esteem. Enter Yvonnick Prené, Parisian by birth and post-college transplant to the Big Apple. New York Moments riffs autobiographically on that life trajectory with a program weighted with originals that illustrate the capabilities of his unconventional axe.
Prené’s project also benefits from the sizeable ace in the deck that is organist Brian Charette. With drummer Jordan Young completing the package they form a trio that doesn’t have any specific instrumental precedence in the music. Chops? Check. Solid setlist? Check. Group chemistry? Again, check. Where a subjective obstacle manifests is in Prené’s very vehicle for improvisation, something he ironically notes in the story of how he adopted the instrument. It’s that sort of candor that goes a good way toward countering any lasting concern.
Originally a student of the diatonic (blues) harmonica, Prené at first found the rounded edges and smooth action of the chromatic off-putting. Absent edges and metallic dissonance of its cerulean cousin it can come across like a neutered accordion, particularly in ballad settings. Prené’s versatility and agility with a line shore up some of the tonal deficiencies and sameness that can creep in across the program. His colleagues regularly recoup the rest with clever support and Charette’s consistently creative solos that refrain from stealing the show.
The material is also uniformly engaging from the Charette-scripted Sonny Rollins contrafact “Air on a Sunny String” to a cover of “Milestones” that Prené personalizes intensely via a link chain of luminous choruses. “46th Street” nods to his side career as an educator and founder New York Harmonica School with a syncopated groove and slow-burn melodic release that is precisely Charette’s forte. The album caps with “Bad April Fool,” another original where this time Prené breaks out his old diatonic over an old school blues shuffle. The difference is immediate and striking with the perhaps unintended effect of posing the question: what if he had approached the entire album with it instead?
Welcome to Harmonicaland, where music lovers come to find their perfect diatonic harp! Made with quality materials and precise craftsmanship, this little instrument packs a big punch. Bring your favorites to life and enjoy hours of harmonious melodies with this top-notch instrument.
Explore a diverse selection of chromatic harmonicas for sale, perfect for musicians of all skill levels. These versatile instruments feature a rich, expressive sound, ideal for jazz, blues, and classical music. Available in various brands and styles, each harmonica is designed for comfort and performance. Enhance musical creativity with a chromatic harmonica today!
We are your go-to destination for harmonicas online, offering a fantastic selection to fulfill all your musical desires. At Harmonicaland we make online harmonica shopping a breeze, ensuring you receive top-quality instruments delivered to your doorstep. Shop now and let the melodic journey begin!
Discover the thrill of music with Harmonicaland's incredible collection of harmonicas near me. From traditional blues harps to sleek and futuristic styles, we offer something for every harmonica fan. Shop now and discover your ideal fit for creating beautiful music wherever you go. For more details, visit our website.
Diatonic harmonicas are a top choice for blues, folk, and rock musicians due to their rich sound and ease of use. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, buying diatonic harmonicas gives you access to a wide range of notes in a compact design. These harmonicas are perfect for bending notes and creating soulful, expressive melodies with every breath.
Are you looking to purchase the perfect harmonica? Do you already have a budget in mind? Which harmonica brand is better? More importantly do you know which harmonica you want? At Harmonicaland we’ve been selling harmonicas for years so we’ll be glad to help you understand how to choose a good harmonica and what really matters when it comes to purchasing the best harp for you!
