Paris born Marc Antoine
found already in early years his love, the guitar. Starting his
studies with 13 he was soon an in-demand musician in the Parisian scene
recording with many local artists. During his period in London he
performed among others with Basia's band, Soul to Soul, Pato Banton,
and General Public. After further stages in Tokyo and Los Angeles
playing with Sting, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Cher, Selena, Queen
Latifah, George Benson, Guru Jazzmatazz, Take 6 and others his current
domicile is Madrid (Spain). Contemporary jazz artists like Dave Koz,
Chris Botti, Jeff Lorber, Jeffrey Osborne, David Benoit, Larry Carlton
and others are his present comrades-in-music.
His first album was Classical Soul (1994),
followed by Urban Gypsy (1995), Madrid (1998),
Universal Language (2000), Cruisin’ (2001), The Very
Best of Marc Antoine (2002), Mediterraneo (2003) and
Modern Times (2005). Marc Antoine continues his solo career with
his new album Hi-Lo Split (2007).The album is titled after a
type of poker game. When Antoine visited Los Angeles last year, his
manager Randal Cohen convinced the guitarist to join his weekly group
of six card playing pals. He quickly learned that a "Hi-Lo Split"
means the person with the highest and lowest hand gets the money.
Marc Antoine recorded the new album with
keyboardist Fredric Gaillardet from Paris and bassist André Manga.
Louis Conte contributed his percussion parts via internet. The album
opens with the shuffle-track For A Smile. Gaillardet's earthy
organ is the best fundament for Antoine's sultry acoustic guitar
melody. Antoine was inspired by Alejandro's boyish grin.
The title tune is a jam tune in the spirit of the
Spanish Flamenco school. Marc Antoine plays nylon and steel string
acoustic guitars in a perfect interactive way. Manuel Machado
(flugelhorn) and Bobby Martinez (flute) are delivering a delicious
horn segment.
The song Spooky was new arranged by Buddy
Buie and lead guitarist J.R.Cobb, both part of the group Classic IV
and later as part of the group The Atlanta Rhythm Section. This song
from the '60s found Antoine's relaxed expression.
Silk And Steel is named after Antoine's
selection of guitars. The song is dominated by Antoine's steel string
acoustic guitar.
Cancún is a coastal city in Mexico's easternmost
state, Quintana Roo. A world-renowned tourist resort with modern
beachfront hotels surrounded by Isla Mujeres ("Women Island"), the
Caribbean Sea, and the Nichupte and Bojórquez lagoons this area is a
piece of paradise. Cancun Blue is Antoine's song of songs about
this wonderful spot in Mexico.
Groovin' High is certainly the most captivating
tune on Antoine's excellent album. A culmination of Antoine's guitar
licks, Louis Conte's firework on timbales and pushing Spanish horns
(Machado and Martinez).
The ballade Forever is a melody, keepin'
in mind. Antoine has refurbished this version, he has been wanting to
record for years.
Panacea was already co-written by Antoine
for the album Freestylin' (1993) by the San Diego jazz band
Greyboy. This album is often cited as the definition of acid jazz. The
original track appeared in the movie Get Shorty.
Bossalectro inspired by legendary
Brazilian guitarist Joao Gilberto stands in contrast to the previous
tune and for the nonchalant attitude of chill-out.
Voodoo Doll is build over a hip-hop
groove. The guitar line is structured in two layers. The melody is
narrative.
The melancholic ballad Tomorrow is
underlined by futuristic sounds like a sonar.
Marc Antoine's new album Hi-Lo Split was produced
in the comfort of his home studio in Madrid. He wrote many songs while
relaxing with his guitar alongside his indoor pool. This coolness
influenced his album, which is a mirror of Antoine's current
development and at the same time of his roots and heritage.
