Philémon Chante could not have chosen a better date to release his album, Les Sessions Cubaines, in Montreal. The night was definitely warm and humid. The Casa was packed and sweaty. And the music, delightful.
Do not expect to find, in Philémon, a scene character of any kind. Rather, one would find in this young singer something old, something borrowed, something new and something blue. Everything about him speaks authenticity; especially, his lyrics, in which he can speak of love, of himself, of his grandmother, of life, death, despair and hope with the same lyrical, yet powerful voice of his.
On scene, he seems at first a bit shy. But, once in his element, playing music, he loosens up, starts joking and makes of his concert a convivial experience. He translates the intimacy of the CD experience, which, he promises, he will deliver personally door-to-door as they failed to arrive on time for the release.
He also revives the experimental nature of the disc: he recorded it just a few days after arriving in La Havane, with musicians he met on the spot. In La Casa, he played with musicians he had barely met, and with whom, as he stated himself, he practiced for about three hours. But, perhaps, is it part of the charm of the music Philémon plays. It is simple, yes not simplistic in nature. It is elaborate, but never over-played. It is not for nothing, after all, that he became a new sensation in the French-speaking reporting media of the city, anywhere form Voir to CBC.
Hearing, and seeing Philémon in concert, or on your iPod, is an experience in itself. Look out for his CD, when it (finally) arrives in Montreal, as I know I am looking forward to getting my copy. And, for those of you who missed it, don't worry, he will be back on the planks performing at Fringe festival, June 12th as well as in the Francofolies, June 15th. Meanwhile, some songs are available for free download on his Bandcamp page, and some others for your listening pleasure on his Myspace.
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