Marc Antoine - Hi-Lo Split (2007)

Paris born Marc Antoine found already in early years his love, the guitar. Starting his studies with 13 he was soon an in-demand musician in the Parisian scene recording with many local artists. During his period in London he performed among others with Basia's band, Soul to Soul, Pato Banton, and General Public. After further stages in Tokyo and Los Angeles playing with Sting, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Cher, Selena, Queen Latifah, George Benson, Guru Jazzmatazz, Take 6 and others his current domicile is Madrid (Spain). Contemporary jazz artists like Dave Koz, Chris Botti, Jeff Lorber, Jeffrey Osborne, David Benoit, Larry Carlton and others are his present comrades-in-music.

His first album was Classical Soul (1994), followed by Urban Gypsy (1995), Madrid (1998), Universal Language (2000), Cruisin’ (2001), The Very Best of Marc Antoine (2002), Mediterraneo (2003) and Modern Times (2005). Marc Antoine continues his solo career with his new album Hi-Lo Split (2007).The album is titled after a type of poker game. When Antoine visited Los Angeles last year, his manager Randal Cohen convinced the guitarist to join his weekly group of six card playing pals. He quickly learned that a "Hi-Lo Split" means the person with the highest and lowest hand gets the money.

Marc Antoine recorded the new album with keyboardist Fredric Gaillardet from Paris and bassist Andre Manga. Louis Conte contributed his percussion parts via internet. The album opens with the shuffle-track For A Smile. Gaillardet's earthy organ is the best fundament for Antoine's sultry acoustic guitar melody. Antoine was inspired by Alejandro's boyish grin.

The title tune is a jam tune in the spirit of the Spanish Flamenco school. Marc Antoine plays nylon and steel string acoustic guitars in a perfect interactive way. Manuel Machado (flugelhorn) and Bobby Martinez (flute) are delivering a delicious horn segment.

The song Spooky was new arranged by Buddy Buie and lead guitarist J.R.Cobb, both part of the group Classic IV and later as part of the group The Atlanta Rhythm Section. This song from the '60s found Antoine's relaxed expression.

Silk And Steel is named after Antoine's selection of guitars. The song is dominated by Antoine's steel string acoustic guitar.

Cancun is a coastal city in Mexico's easternmost state, Quintana Roo. A world-renowned tourist resort with modern beachfront hotels surrounded by Isla Mujeres ("Women Island"), the Caribbean Sea, and the Nichupte and Bojorquez lagoons this area is a piece of paradise. Cancun Blue is Antoine's song of songs about this wonderful spot in Mexico.

Groovin' High is certainly the most captivating tune on Antoine's excellent album. A culmination of Antoine's guitar licks, Louis Conte's firework on timbales and pushing Spanish horns (Machado and Martinez).

The ballade Forever is a melody, keepin' in mind. Antoine has refurbished this version, he has been wanting to record for years.

Panacea was already co-written by Antoine for the album Freestylin' (1993) by the San Diego jazz band Greyboy. This album is often cited as the definition of acid jazz. The original track appeared in the movie Get Shorty.

Bossalectro inspired by legendary Brazilian guitarist Joao Gilberto stands in contrast to the previous tune and for the nonchalant attitude of chill-out.

Voodoo Doll is build over a hip-hop groove. The guitar line is structured in two layers. The melody is narrative.

The melancholic ballad Tomorrow is underlined by futuristic sounds like a sonar.

Marc Antoine's new album Hi-Lo Split was produced in the comfort of his home studio in Madrid. He wrote many songs while relaxing with his guitar alongside his indoor pool. This coolness influenced his album, which is a mirror of Antoine's current development and at the same time of his roots and heritage. -- [i][/i]