A Special Musical Performance with Irène and Francis Jacob

PRLog (Press Release) - Apr. 2, 2012 - This musically gifted duo began writing their repertoire after the passing of their father in 2007.  Although they live on two different sides of the Atlantic, they have always had a drive to write songs together and bring them on stage.  Their modern day collaboration relies on communicating through emails and Skype and today they freely write with four hands.  For both of them this musical venture is a sacred privileged space where they can meet and create a new virtual life somewhere between Brooklyn and Paris.  Francis will complete a phrase Irène left unfinished and adapt her voice and words to his compositions and arrangements, Irène, in turn will fit her voice around his blended rhythms.  Together their compositions create a unique sound of soft, rhythmic melodies that delight, transport and uplift the listener.  One doesn’t need to understand French to feel the power, passion and beauty of their music.  A sample of their songs can be heard at myspace.com/ifirenejacob.  

Irène Jacob was awarded “Best Actress” prize at the 1991 international Cannes festival for her performance in The Double Life of Vèronique.  Her films credits include Red directed by K. Kieslowski and Rio Sex Comedy by Jonathan Nossiter.  As a successful international actress, Irène has always maintained a special connection to music whether performing on a theater stage or a movie set.  Recently she has recorded with the National Jazz Orchestra, French star Vincent Delerm and Brazil's Richardo Tete, among others.  

Francis Jacob is a multi-talented musician, whose 2007 CD, Side-by-Side, received great reviews.  He composes, performs and records for a wide array of West African stars from Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and Togo.  By blending his Jazz roots with these experiences, Jacob finds himself at the center of the “World Jazz” movement.  Additional band members include Pichio Ballumbrosio, a well known master of Afro-Peruvian percussion and Mamadou Ba, a bass player on the African-New York scene who was the musical director for Harry Belafonte.


Wine & Cheese- 6:30- 7:00 p.m.
Performance- 7:00- 8:00 p.m.
Q&A in French with Irène Jacob- 8:00- 8:30 p.m.


Irène and Francis’s CD, Je Sais Nager (I Can Swim), set for U.S. release in May 2012 will be available for purchase at the event.  Space is limited.  This event is free and open to the public.  Registration is required and can be done by calling 860-567-8030 or logging onto www.owlibrary.org and clicking on Programs/Adult Programs.