CHRISTOPHER MARK JONES: Montréal Encore (Encore)

We’ll be revisiting the magic of the 2023 concert at City of Asylum which introduced the songs of Montréal Encore, the French-language recording created by Christopher Mark Jones in collaboration with the poet Bernard Pozier (from Montreal). Many of those songs will again be featured, along with songs by Boris Vian, Michel Rivard, Henri Salvador, Bertrand/Desrosiers and Louis Aragon, for a full evening of chanson francophone. I’ll be joined by Eric George on percussion, Mark Perna on bass, Matt Seigler on piano and accordion, and Brad Yoder on harmonies, guitars, saxophones and glockenspiel. The restaurant and bar will be open. Admission is free, but registration is requested. Visit the City of Asylum website nearer the date to register. Christopher Mark Jones sings soulful country and blues-inflected Americana narratives in “a rich voice that’s slightly rough around the edges” (Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette), but still grabs the listener along with his “fascinating lyrics” (Melody Maker, UK) and the “intricate guitar-playing” and “wide-ranging textures and exquisite instrumentation” (Larry Berger, Saturday Light Brigade) of his recordings. Listeners hear echoes of “Greg Brown's pacing and a Lyle Lovett attitude” (Ben Shannon), as well as of John Prine, Bruce Coburn and Darrell Scott. Between careers as a basketball player and French professor, Jones busked in Paris, toured the UK, Denmark, and Holland, and played New England clubs. He now tours solo from Pittsburgh, PA, and plays regionally in formats varying from solo to full band. Looking for the Light (2021) is his sixth recording of original folk/roots songs, while Montréal Encore (2022) is a French-language recording created in collaboration with the poet Bernard Pozier.