French-born drummer, composer, and producer Antoine Cara announces the release of Status Quo, a dynamic new album that showcases his talents as a player, writer, and leader. Featuring an impressive lineup of musical legends—guitar virtuoso Mike Stern and trumpet icon Randy Brecker—on three tracks each, Status Quo offers an exciting fusion of hard-hitting funk, Latin jazz, melodic pop, and uptempo jazz, with Cara’s vibrant, multi-genre approach at its core.
“I wanted to create energetic, feel-good music with horns, percussion, guitars, and keys,” says Cara. “With the incredible musicians who joined me, we were able to bring the solo sections to life, each artist contributing their distinctive sound and phrasing. The drums play a central role, not just as part of the ensemble, but also as a featured solo instrument. Seven of the nine tracks include drum solos, which are an essential part of the project.”
Cara’s remarkable musicianship and inventive sonic vision make Status Quo a captivating listen from beginning to end. As the leader of this vibrant ensemble, he showcases his mastery of rhythm and groove, while placing the drums at the forefront of the album's musical journey.
To craft the album’s sound, Cara drew inspiration from his experience in electronic music production, utilizing techniques like chopping micro-samples and creating musical collages. “Some of the horns come from sample banks I used, transposed and time-stretched,” he explains, highlighting his ability to merge electronic and live jazz sounds. Anchoring the album’s energy is French bassist Kevin Reveyrand, whose impeccable groove and production experience serve as the foundation for the nine tracks. “Kevin brought his incredible sound, groove, and production skills,” says Cara.
Other key highlights include Yvonnick Prene’s soulful harmonica solos, which are both lyrical and expressive on tracks like “When We Were Young” and the closing “Nevermind.” Yannick Soccal’s powerful tenor saxophone adds a fiery edge to “Status Quo,” “Déjà Vu,” and “Let’s Play.”
Keyboardist Jerry Léonide (known for his work with Christopher Cross and Frank Gambale) contributes rich textures and fiery solos on “Wrong Turn,” “Let’s Play,” and “Quidproquo,” further enhancing the album’s musical depth. Guitarists Oz Noy and Nazim Kri bring their distinctive styles to Status Quo, with Noy contributing to “Take It Easy” and Kri adding flavor to “Déjà Vu.”
“Challenging myself was a key motivation behind this album,” Cara reflects. “After years of working as a producer and mixing engineer in electronic dance music, I wanted to test those skills in jazz and funk. The title Status Quo reflects the feeling of being stuck in a loop—a routine where change feels elusive. This album is about breaking free from that cycle, trying something different, and stepping out of familiar situations. It represents personal and professional growth, pushing past fear, and breaking the cycle of the status quo.”
About Antoine Cara
Antoine Cara, born and raised in France, is a versatile drummer, composer, and producer. He began his musical journey studying classical percussion, later focusing on jazz drumming at the American School of Modern Music in Paris and the conservatory in the 9th district. In 2006, Cara moved to New York City to further his studies at the Manhattan School of Music and City College of New York. He quickly immersed himself in the city's vibrant music scene, performing with a range of artists and projects. Notably, he toured with Lulu Gainsbourg, son of the legendary Serge Gainsbourg, performing his father’s iconic repertoire.
In addition to his work in jazz, Cara has also made a significant mark in the world of electronic dance music, signing with Ultra Music/Sony and releasing tracks with over eight million streams on Spotify. With Status Quo, he now brings his eclectic background together, creating an album that bridges genres and reflects his multifaceted musical vision.
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