Did you know that Manu Desroches is a real live performer? He was so happy to present his first EP, Chapter of Soundon May 14, he turned it into a full-scale show, with a twenty-strong choir, dancers from two companies and, of course, his faithful musician friends, including such big names as Jalill Auckbaraulee, Johnny Joseph, Steve Desvaux, Neil Bucktowar… and then the the special guest Menwar! When you’re good, you don’t deny yourself anything! Dominique Bellier
The first track immediately hooked the audience, catching their ears as well as their eyes… For once, the concert began with the voices of some twenty choristers in unison, led by the excellent Boyana Joseph. Then the artist took to the stage with his guitar, a kind of natural prosthesis for him, the musicians asserted themselves, giving us a lovely piece on transverse flute among other things, the dancers with their dazzling figures took over the space and our friend was already in full flow, rallying all these beautiful people with his voice, his acting and his very dynamic stage presence. The tone is set: sunny music, dance and theatricality, and heartfelt lyrics.
With this kind of artist, a song is a gift, quietly polished, weathered by time. For Boss, on a sharp tempo, the guitar takes on the allure of a kora, the stage is animated by a kind of dancing theater in costume, and we understand that the singer is taking his legs to his neck, if not simply his freedom… Impossible to recount here two hours of moving and joyful music, the artist with the abundant hair let it all go that evening, welcoming his mentor Menwar on Bain des Damesand the most important woman in his life on Ma.
Photo: © Greg Wong