Novecento

This show combines elements of a play and a jazz concert. Although it would be more precise to describe it as a public reading, as Paul Anrieu, the comedian, is not playing any specific character: he is telling a story, book in hand (French translation by Francoise Brun, Editions Mille et une nuits).

The show also features Bertrand Mahe on piano and myself on drums. It is a public reading with music !
This show is a great opportunity to travel in time and styles. We play some ragtime, swing and be bop standards, blues and classical pieces ! It features compositions by Thelonious Monk, Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Duke Ellington, Johan Sebastian Bach….
From a drummer point of view, the challenge was not only to be versatile and authentic but to be able to play quietly enough, not to cover the human voice. Unless it is absolutely necessary to use a PA, the show is always performed acoustically. Acoustic piano, drums and vocals ! Therefore we can preserve the “tone” of each instrument, including the voice.

The story : “The only familiar world for Novecento is the sea. Born and raised on a boat that he’ll never leave, he proves to be a talented pianist. Virtuoso in the “Roaring twenties”, challenging Jelly Roll Morton “the inventor of jazz”, Novecento’s life is linked with this boat for eternity.”

Audio

La tempête (the storm)

This extract was recorded live in the Sainte-Foy’s church (Drome, France).

It is about the first meeting between Novecento and Tim Tooney, the storyteller. They meet during a thunderstorm, on the boat. Although you can hardly stand on your feet, Novecento chooses this very moment to release the brakes of the grand piano and starts playing !

Music : The Jitterburg Waltz by Fats Waller.

Video

Bruxelles !

Gallery