BEN L’ONCLE SOUL

Let’s take a look at the labels on which Benjamin Duterde has released some of his records: Motown and Blue Note. The great soul factory and the great flagship of jazz. The two labels are more than reliable indicators of the direction taken by this French musician who was born in Tours in 1984 and who – as if that weren’t enough – started his career in the world of music by singing gospel with the band Fitiavana. Need more clues? Here we go. His seven albums exude the smoothness, elegance and sensuality of the very best soul and the most distinguished jazz-funk. Especially his latest recording, Is It You? (2023), the most naked and organic of his entire career, which may well serve as an excellent calling card for his work. With live performances at some of the best festivals in the world (Montreux, North Sea Jazz, London Jazz), Ben L’Oncle Soul is one of the most exciting sensations our neighbours have ever produced in terms of black-rooted sonorities.