OPEN: Isabelle Olivier and Raphaël Olivier’s Musical Journey of Connection, Curiosity, and Innovation

 

OPEN: Isabelle Olivier and Raphaël Olivier’s Musical Journey of Connection, Curiosity, and Innovation.

Recognized by audiences and music professionals alike as both accomplished performers and composers, Isabelle Olivier and Raphaël Olivier are a remarkable mother-and-son duo whose artistic partnership has flourished for more than 13 years. Together, they create a distinctive musical landscape where the harp and guitar intertwine, blending jazz, folk, contemporary influences, and inspired improvisation into an unforgettable listening experience.

Their latest album, OPEN, was born from years of shared travels, meaningful encounters, and creative collaboration. More than a collection of songs, it is an invitation to embrace openness—to reconnect with ourselves, each other, and the moments that matter most.

From jazz standards and modern improvisations to subtle touches of British pop, OPEN explores a rich emotional spectrum. Isabelle Olivier’s expressive harp and Raphaël Olivier’s inventive guitar engage in a captivating musical dialogue that is by turns introspective, playful, adventurous, and deeply moving. Raphaël also lends his intimate vocals to two standout tracks, adding another layer of warmth and emotion to the album.

The journey begins with Bird in the Forest, where the gentle glow of sunrise and birdsong welcome listeners into a peaceful sonic world. Throughout the album, the conversation between harp and electric guitar evolves in fascinating ways—from the intricate exchanges of Shapes to the playful pursuit of Looking for Dad. Tracks such as How Many Miles and On the Edge reveal moments of quiet reflection, while Yarrow builds into majestic, storm-like intensity.

As the album unfolds, listeners move effortlessly through jazz, folk, and swing with pieces like Woman Farmer and Bread Blues, before being captivated by Raphaël’s heartfelt interpretations of No Surprises and Moon River, as well as his cello performance on Yarrow. Isabelle’s extraordinary harp artistry provides a constant thread, guiding the listener through a musical experience that feels both intimate and expansive. By the album’s conclusion, OPEN leaves the impression of having traveled somewhere transformative, emerging changed from where the journey began.

A celebrated jazz harpist and composer, Isabelle Olivier has established herself as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music. Her unmistakable style has earned international recognition, with 13 albums, performances in 25 countries, and a career spanning jazz, Celtic traditions, contemporary music, film, and live performance. She has composed scores for 11 films, including four directed by Agnès Varda, and is the recipient of the prestigious Villa Albertine award. Her collaborations include acclaimed artists such as Peter Erskine, Didier Lockwood, Ernie Adams, Mitch Haupers, and Paul Wertico.

Raphaël Olivier is a composer, producer, guitarist, songwriter, and author whose catalog of more than 300 compositions has generated over 2 billion views and 15 million streams worldwide. A musical prodigy, he began playing the cello at age three and was performing professionally by the age of eight. After studying in Europe and the United States, he continued his musical education at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris, performing across Europe with renowned artists including Étienne Daho, Yael Naim, and the Orchestre National de Jazz. Based between Paris and Los Angeles, he works across music and literature. His debut novel, La Mélodie d’Oklahoma, winner of the Paris FoRTE Prize, will be published in 2026 and adapted into a one-man performance blending storytelling and live music. Inspired by a residency at the Rinzai-Ji Zen temple in the footsteps of Leonard Cohen, his creative work explores the intersection of introspection, spirituality, and musical storytelling.

OPEN is more than an album—it is an invitation to slow down, listen deeply, and experience music as a journey of discovery, connection, and shared humanity.