New York City resident Yvonnick Pren's debut recording for SteepleChase, Jour de Fete, sees an outstanding new harmonica virtuoso emerge in a programme of distinctive, mostly self penned, compositions. Echoing his experiences of living in Manhattan, the music draws on varied influences including jazz, hip hop and Brazilian music. <p>Born in Paris, Pren first discovered his passion for music when, as a seven year old, he heard harmonica legend Sonny Boy Williamson. After initial lessons from another virtuoso on the instrument, Jean-Jacques Milteau, he went on to study with Lee Konitz and Charles Tolliver and has performed with Manu Katche, Laurent Cugny, Yaron Herman and others.</p> <p>Personnel: Yvonnick Pren (chromatic harmonica), Michael Valeanu, Isaac Darche (guitar), Javi Santiago (piano), Or Bareket, Phil Donkin (bass), Jesse Simpson, Owen Erickson (drums)</p>