Rhythm Was Born
From Paul Lamoureux, Producer, Musical Director, and Saxophonist:
"When Donné approached me to write out some bass lines for his new album for rehearsal purposes, I thought I knew what to expect, since I had prepared some basic chord charts for my band to play when we accompanied him on CBC French radio’s fundraising “Radiothon” in Toronto in November of last year (2005). Then I sat down and listened to “Rhythm Was Born”. That’s when I began to appreciate the subtle complexities of Donné’s music.
Different rhythms playing at the same time (polyrhythms), changes in tempo and meter that flowed from one to another while keeping the groove going, and melodic counterpoint that had me singing different parts in my sleep! He executes most of these devices on the guitar while singing a completely different part in one of many languages! I don’t know whether this kind of elegant musical multi-tasking is a result of his Madagascar roots, his general African origins, or his travels in Russia and throughout the world. I just know that I appreciate his music and his musicianship.
The real beauty of Donné’s music is that you don’t have to know anything about music to enjoy it. The grooves are so buoyant, the harmonies so approachable, and the messages so universal that all you have to do is close your eyes and let yourself be moved."