FREDERIC YONNET - REED MY LIPS

Urban Jazz harmonicist Frederic Yonnet has announced that his upcoming album, Reed My Lips, will be available to fans before it is actually complete. On May 4, in a pioneering effort that leverages technology, art and reality, Yonnet halts all aspects of production -- recording, packaging and video -- to give fans a snapshot of his work at that very moment in the creative process. The work in progress, subtitled The Rough Cut, is available exclusively to fans purchasing digital download cards at live concerts or at http://www.fredyonnet.com/. A unique code gives users access to The Rough Cut files. Email alerts will announce when new material is available for download. Comments posted to the website will be considered in the subsequent Reed My Lips: The Final Mix, releasing this summer and available on iTunes.

Yonnet coined the term "Reality CD" to describe the bold concept of allowing fans to observe key phases of the production. "People are curious about the creative process so I decided to make them a part of it at a point when they could actually make a difference," said Yonnet. While many of the tracks have been recorded and a packaging direction developed, Yonnet still has to make decisions about artwork, guests, background vocals, song titles, etc. Works on The Rough Cut are copy written.

According to Yonnet's manager and publicist, Carla Sims, the reality is that fans were constantly asking about the status of the new album. In order to give them an early listen, Yonnet decided to release the draft artwork and music tracks in their evolutionary state despite the fact that it might open up a floodgate of comments. "I realize it's risky to expose drafts outside of musical circles, and even more risky to encourage feedback, but I welcome it," said Yonnet. "I'm confident in my work and view all comments as constructive."

As one of the most innovative harmonica players on the music scene, Yonnet is best known for his strong improvisational skills and ability to play chromatically on a diatonic harmonica. His impressive style has led to recordings and performances with music legend Stevie Wonder and award-winning songwriter David Foster. Rolling Stone magazine referred to Yonnet as "Prince's killer harmonica player" and praise from trendsetters has affirmed his mission to change the way the music industry and enthusiasts regard the "pocket" instrument.

Yonnet collaborates on Reed My Lips with New York production team nVMe and Washington, DC-based hip-hop producer Sean Miles to feature the harmonica as the lead voice on beats laced with jazz, hip-hop and R&B. "Yonnet's sound is stunning," said producer Mesta Bish. "Neither he nor the harmonica can be contained in a box," referring to the industry's tendency to pigeonhole it as a blues and country sound. With the album's bold, aggressive and head-bobbing rhythms, Reed My Lips defies the categorical labeling assigned to instrumental projects.

http://www.fredyonnet.com/