2009 programme of Patrimonio's guitar nights

Part one: Krystle Warren

For the uninitiated, seeing Krystle Warren live for the first time is quite an experience. One is immediately struck by the incongruity between her slight physique and the effortless power of her voice, reminiscent of a cross between Tracy Chapman and Billy Holiday. Her sobre and subtle guitar playing is the perfect accompaniment to her vocal tone and style. She left her native Kansas City at twenty years of age to see if she could launch some sort of career in New York. She established a band called Krystle Warren and the Faculty and got the public’s attention at the Newport Folk Festival, alongside such artists as Diana Krall and Elvis Costello. And it’s there that Keziah Jones took notice and offered her the opening act slot on his 2008-9 world tour. Surprisingly, she turned down the offers of a major American record label and opted for a smaller French label that offered her greater artistic freedom. It turns out that this was a good move as her last album “Circles” is of undeniable quality. In Krystle Warren, the audience in Patrimonio will have the good fortune of being entertained by this wonderful artist who has the virtue of remaining simple, natural and very moving.

Official website

Part two: Ayo

Daughter of a Nigerian father and a Romanian gypsy mother, Ayo hit the big time in 2006 with her first album « Joyful », helped along by the irresistible hit « Down on my knees ». The public enthusiasm started in Europe, seduced by her girly, emotional, yet velvety voice with songs that are as musically diverse as her own cultural background with elements of soul, folk and reggae being thrown into the mix. Her debut went platinum in France and made a serious impact on the German and UK charts. By the end of 2007, the other side of the Atlantic caught on and the African Gypsy (as she calls herself) undertook a successful US tour followed by a second album in early 2008. Like her debut, it was recorded live, in analogue and wrapped up in under five days which gives the music a pure and organic sound. The thirteen tracks contain some vintage instruments such as the generous organ of bluesman Lucky Peterson (appearing on 23rd July) as well as guitars from Larry Campbell, Bob Dylan’s touring companion. This new record is less reggae and more rhythm based whilst keeping the guitar and vocals at the forefront of the sound. From the African warmth of “I am not Afraid” to the old time blues of “Maybe” to the gospel of “Thank You” whilst throwing out an intense piano led ballad in “Better Days”, Ayo shows just how wide her musical spectrum has become, and that’s all to the good. There is little doubt that this talented and beautiful artist will hold Patrimonio under her charm and give the audience something to remember for a while to come.

Official website