Deep Forest
In a solo performance, the Grammy award-winning composer and pianist immersed himself with boundless enthusiasm between the keyboards and cheering on the devout fans.
Setting expectations, there is no ensemble or band. It is a “French electronic/world music project created by Eric Mouquet” according to the website. Mouquet is Deep Forest.
His piano playing was accompanied with programmed ambient vocalizations and downtempo grooves assembled into Deep Forest’s familiar dance tracks. The blend of complex dance beats with indigenous world music is a unique combination. Two very separate influences that were groundbreaking when first debuted.
The night was a marveling display of various sonic talents that translated from recording to the stage. Framed with a video montage projection and dynamic lighting this was more a club night than any solo piano concert. One part DJ, one part musician.
Deep Forest (then with co-founder Michel Sanchez) had breakout success with Sweet Lullaby from their self-titled 1992 debut, Since Deep Forest has continued on for three decades reaching a hardcore following more than widespread commercial attention. Not to be confused with obscurity, Mouquet has carried on the name as a producer, composer, performer and collaborator with luminaries such as Peter Gabriel, Youssou N’Dour and Jon Anderson. Over the years he has produced fifteen studio albums as Deep Forest and many other projects.
What Mouquet delivered was brilliantly beautiful. The fan’s gratitude was genuinely felt for this 90’s electronic pioneer. Everyone appreciated this rare chance to experience Deep Forest live. Much less in an intimate hometown club versus a shortened set at a llarge destination festival.
For more information: Deep Forest
Words and photos: Philamonjaro
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