Moussu T e lei Jovents
@ Pizza On The Park
14 - 15 August 2006

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Biography

Moussu T e lei Jovents take their inspiration from the musical melting pot of Marseille in the thirties, with each group member adding their own spice to the mix. Founders of the Massilia Sound System Tatou and Blu forming a rustic bedrock for the group, Brazilian percussionist Jamilson Da Silva and the versatility of drummer Fred Zerbino adding their own unique colourful imprint.

Review

Moussu T e lei Jovents are renown for their whimsical and somewhat relaxed live performances, and tonight was no exception. Lead singer (and group founder) Tatou initially caused an eyebrow or two to rise with his mischievous antics and dry searching wit, before settling down to deliver the more serious side of the bands repertoire.

Tatou’s raspy voice combined with lively band accompaniment certainly reflects the group’s multicultural beginnings. You get a taste of the French countryside, interspersed with tempting tropical flavours. There is also a sense of lingering romance, both lyrically and musically. On occasions it seemed as though Moussu T e lei Jovents could have convincingly travelled many musical genres.

Though I still struggle with the French language (legacy of the Great British Comprensive Education System) I could still grasp the essence of this group. Occasionally I found the mix of humour and serious music confusing as the lines tended to blur, but perhaps this was the intention. Surprisingly, This was the group’s first London appearance, but you would never have known.

Robin Francis
© Michael Valentine Studio Ltd.