An exciting modern collaboration between Adult Contemporary (AC), Jam Band and Jazz with Soul and R&B vocal elements. - h o m e - - e a r t h - - h e a r t - - l i f e - - j o y -
THE MUSICIANS I LOOK UP TO: Dave Matthews, Dave Matthews Band, Anthony Hamilton, India.Arie, Asa (Asha), Amos Lee, Israel Houghton, RJ Benjamin, Blk Sonshine, Paul Hanmer, RinseTheAlgorithm, Rich Brown, Ray LaMontagne, Larnell Lewis, Jamie Cullum, Jamiroquai, Nitin Sawhney, Justin Nozuka, The Cinematic Orchestra, The Fray, Jason Mraz, Soulive, Gavin Degraw, Jill Scott, Coldplay, Eric Hutchinson, Raul Midon, James Morrison, Stef Bos, Muse, Regina Spektor, Sting,
Get Off Your Couch
FRANCOIS' DEBUT ALBUM IS NOW AVAILABLE-CLICK ON THE CD BABY LINK (LEFT) - "The Love Led Acoustic Sessions" consists of intimate and soulful acoustic jam sessions performed by Francois and featured talented guitarist Heather Crawford. The album features a band consisting of not only voice, guitar and piano, but also VIOLIN, CELLO, VIBRAPHONE, HARMONICA, ACOUSTIC BASS, SAXOPHONE percussion and back up vocals.
"Francois’ performances are a celebration of music, humanity and life. His emotive and honest vocal delivery has the power to uplift and inspire an audience." Born in South West Africa and raised in the rich vibrant culture of South Africa, Francois draws upon his roots to write songs with the intention of bringing hope and inspiring those around him. His music does exactly that and comes across as a beautiful musical narration of his thoughts, emotions and his experiences in life and those he shares it with. Francois’ personal musical style is an exciting and refreshing modern collaboration between Adult Contemporary (AC), Jam Band and Jazz with Soul and R&B vocal elements. As a very capable musician he combines these musical elements to give birth to a style rooted in his love for music, life and people.
He is currently finishing his final two courses in Humber College and Thompson Rivers University’s collaborative Bachelors Degree in Music as a Vocal Performance Major. Francois recently undertook his second European visit during which he performed at various venues and jazz festivals across the United Kingdom.
Francois also recently worked on an international jazz/pop project with Universal Music Group/Decca Records UK (Jamie Cullum, George Benson etc.). Francois has performed with highly acclaimed artists including jazz virtuoso Mike Stern, Universal Music’s pop sensation RyanDan, Hip-Hop artists Genuwine and Belly at Canada’s Much Music Video Awards (MMVA), the accomplished and talented drummer Larnell Lewis (July Black, Mat Dusk, Fred Hammond), brilliant bassist Lauren Falls and the gifted producer, music director and keyboardist Kibwe Thomas (Mariah Carey, Brian Mello, HeavenSound).
Francois has received the Oscar Peterson Prize, Standard Bank Award for Best Original Composition, Standard Bank Most Promising Performing Solo Artist Award and the Moe Koffman Universal Music award. As an avid songwriter and composer he was selected as one of the prize winning top three candidates in the R&B Category of the 2008 John Lennon International Songwriting Competition. During the summer of 2008, Francois sang backup vocals on the 6th season of Canadian Idol where he had the privilege to work with Debra Byrd, vocal coach and arranger for American Idol and Canadian Idol, Orin Isaacs, music director of Canadian Idol and pianist Mark Lalama. The list of accomplished teachers, music directors and conductors that Francois has studied and worked with also includes Trish Colter, Shannon Gunn, Rick Lazar, Rudolf de Beer and Prof. Awie van Wyk. He also had the privilege of rehearsing in an ensemble setting with Kurt Elling as a guest teacher and mentor.
Thanks for the birthday wish but I was confused by my friend's message too! I have been away from MySpace for a while now and it could have been a delayed message methinks...
My birthday is not until December but I'll take the sweet early birthday wishes anyway...hehe
Will check out the group you recommended...Oh! You playing tonight right? Wishing you a fab night... not that you need it with a voice like yours!
Alles goed met me. Hoe is Engeland? Mischien Ik komt in October. I'll let you know if I do. Ik miss je heel veel. Toronto is niet meer hetselfde zonder jou.
Kusjes nad hugs (which I also don't know how to say....hahhaha)
i love you too FRANCH!!! i miss you SO very much. my screensaver is of all the many funk gigs we've done together and it makes me miss you even more. I hope you're rocking up Brits! can't wait for your visit:) much love, jo
Hello Francois, Yes, it was so good to hear you at Wigan. Glad you like my CD. You sound so great here lovely to hear you again. Keep in touch with all your news. Have a wonderfull singing life. LOadza luv, Carol-----------x
I can't wait! As for other artists I really like to listen to almost everything, but lately I've been on a bit of a Jazz streak which is how I found you through Ourstage.
Hey, I found your music on Ourstage, and instantly loved it... the only problem is I can't find anywhere to put this on my iPod, is there any way to get a hold of "Get Off Your Couch", or any of the other songs?
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