Jef Lee Johnson Trio / Nathalie Richard
Used to his key role in Ursus Minor and as a sideman in a multitude of other projects, the only luxury that guitarist Jef Lee Johnson allows himself in his trio, aside from exclusively singing in it, is to create a total musical expression of himself. With his lyrics - little poetic editorials - and his uniquely savory compositions mixing influences from soul, pop, jazz, rhythm and blues, Johnson is ready to welcome distinguished guests. This evening, the guests include Michael Bland, the Minneapolis drummer who needs no introduction, and French actress and singer Nathalie Richard. Richard, who was involved in Johnson's latest album, is a familiar of such accomplished movie directors as James Ivory, Jacques Rivette, Olivier Assayas, and Michael Haneke. Very active on the French theater scene, Richard has made quite an impression through her strong and sensitive interpretations of songs by Serge Gainsbourg or Leo Ferre, two of the pre-eminent songwriters of the Chanson Francaise of the second half of the twentieth century. This time she is ready to surprise on stage, where under a seemingly subdued appearance is hidden a radiant intensity, with a new and wider repertoire prepared for the occasion. This evening's performance will surely be one of the revelations of this year's festival.