© Koen Bauters
Frederic Lyenn Jacques
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Frederic Lyenn Jacques has toured the world as the bass player in Mark Lanegan’s band, and as a founding member of jazzrock trio Dans Dans. As LYENN he has shared his songs and music in venues across Europe, the U.S. and China, moving audiences with his art.
In 2020, LYENN released the album ‘Adrift,’ which was entirely recorded in Iceland with his former fellow-traveller Shahzad Ismaily. The record conjures up images of a multilingual Jeff Buckley on piano, or Nick Drake on bouzouki, while miniature landscapes loom out of the fog, reminiscent of late Talk Talk or Mark Hollis' solo work. LYENN’s poppier escapades are as refined as David Sylvian's, even when they consist of only two notes. ‘Adrift’ is an album taken straight from LYENN’s life: he is a searcher, a seeker setting himself adrift as he surrenders to the music. Never quite sure where it will lead him, but always reaching his destination. |
LYENN’s second album “Slow Healer” (2016), the worthy successor to his debut, led to collaborations with Mùm cellist Gyda Valtysdottir and drummer Julian Sartorius, alongside his faithful companion Shahzad Ismaily. On these recordings, LYENN’s music sounds pure and honest. Lucid tones are held together by sparse instrumental arrangements. Nothing seems either forced or planned. Spontaneity, freedom and improvisation are key, creating an open dialogue with his audience.
2011 saw the release of the fragile and beautiful EP ‘Vowels Fade First’
In 2009 the critically acclaimed debut album 'The Jollity Of My Boon Companion’, provided a first induction into the mysterious, wilful world of LYENN and the remarkable musicians (like Shahzad Ismaily, Marc Ribot and Joel Hamilton) who surround him.