Francis Jocky
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Francis Jocky

Band Pop Singer/Songwriter

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"short-cuts"

”Those with an adventurous palate might want to arrive earlier to hear Jocky…[his music] combines acoustics with electronic flourishes for a worldly yet melodic sound."
Sarah Rodman
Boston Herald

“Jocky’s voice, like Al Jarreau’s, is very groovy and lively, infused with instruments in very technological tones…he passes smoothly from soul to world music, from blues to ballad, and from synthesizer to simple guitar. Francis Jocky is an animal on stage with an expressive energy, capable of heating up a room in no time at all. He is truly amazing!”
Maurice Achard
Le Parisien

"Mr Pain brandishes an expressive medley of jazz, funk, soul, fun and contemplative tempos, and tangible lyrical themes that will leave you reeling.
Blown away by the pieces "How can I stand", "Sera" and "Song of Freedom" I hope, perhaps selfishly, that he wil constantly find inspiration and cause to cry out. With this incredible project, Pain is beautiful.
The Celebrity Cafe


“Like a funkier Cat Stevens or a more direct Dave Matthews, Cameroon native Francis Jocky exudes sweet, sunny charm as he gets to the heart of the matter. A true pleasure to discover
”Star Polish – Critics Corner

“…absolutely fabulous music, which really is no surprise, when you read up on his musical pedigree…. 2006 is going to be a good year for music if this album is anything to go by. He’s ….performed with Stevie Wonder and U2, …quite a feat.”
Indie Launchpad

“Altogether, the songs contained in this album present an expressive voice which occasionally reminds one of Al Jarreau. We love this record.”
Jean-Luc Wachtshausen
Le Figaro

“Francis Jocky has a voice that is quite unique, something that I would rather not compare to anyone. His songs are special and his French-Cameroon roots come out in a vibrant and inspired way.”
A&R Online

“He’s like dynamite on stage!”
Arielle Buteaux
France Musique - various


"Something inside so strong"

Francis Jocky
Mr Pain

Something inside so strong

Our Rating: 72 out of 100

Where Paris´ leading daily newspaper, Le Parisien, hears ´Al Jarreau´s successor´, my perhaps less finely-tuned lugholes suggest the new Labi Siffre. It´s Jocky´s sweet, soulful and at-times-Eiffel-Tower-high voice which elicits the comparison, along with his pop/soul leanings. Anyway, it´s a world away in sound from his birthplace - Douala, Cameroon - with only the closing verse of ´So Sad´ sung in African rather than English tongue.

Francis left West Africa for France aged 15, where he and his brother formed Class with friend Patrick Dage. Later Jocky linked up with Yes´ lead singer Jon Anderson, recording under the Know monicker. Whilst Francis enjoyed collaborating in both groups, he, in his own words, "learned that you have to do it yourself to have real control." And so, at the ripe old age of 36, comes Jocky´s debut album. This is one horse he´s riding alone. No need for a photo finish, Francis triumphs with Mr Pain.


Matthew Hirtes - MusicShopper - Matthew Hirtes


"Francis Jocky - Mr Pain"

It's funny how an artist is virtually anonymous and then suddenly you hear them everywhere. Within a day of hearing Francis Jocky for the first time, I heard him on various other podcasts and so the snowball begins. I've heard Francis compared with Seal, he of Kiss from a Rose fame, but I just don't hear it, Francis has a much earthier sound, rather than that of high production pop. If I had to pick a singer to compare Francis with, it would be more Issac Hayes. However I do still hear an incredible artist with an incredible album.

The album opens with the title track, Mr Pain and the album just builds from there. A special mention has to be made of the absolutely fabulous music, which really is no surprise, when you read up on his musical pedigree. After his studies at the Universities Paris V and La Sorbonne, where he achieved his doctorate, he decided to devote himself entirely to his music, later forming a partnership with Jon Anderson, lead singer of YES and releasing an album as Know. He's also performed with Stevie Wonder and U2, that's quite a feat.

At first hearing Francis sing, it's a shock to the system, as the music is preparing you for something quite different, but who cares, it works and very well indeed. With 12 tracks on the album, you can hear an incredibly diverse range of music. Every song is well crafted, with some very lush music. Standout tracks for me are Mr Pain, Higher Love and We Are.

Conclusion : This is such an amazing album, that if it was reviewed last year, would cerainly have been in my top 5 for the year. 2006 is going to be a good year for music if this album is anything to go by. - Indie Launchpad


"Francis Jocky - Mr Pain"

- Too long nestled in the safe, but stifling cocoon of formulaic compositions, the unadventurous, subdued ear will be jolted at first introduction to Francis Jocky. Then, quickly recovering from the sensory ambush, it will perk up, allowing the beauty perceived to soak into the soul. Described as the synergy of traits distinctly Stevie Wonder, uniquely Bob Marley, noticeably Ben Harper and markedly Seal, the voice of “Mr. Pain” is undeniably original and all Francis Jocky.

Birthed and nurtured in native Douala-Cameron, and honed in France, Francis Jocky’s passion for music and skilled craftsmanship reap from a duality of rhythmic and cultural influences while drinking from a myriad of musical influences. Incorporating into his sound the jazz of Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk, and the New Orleans R&B/folk of Randy Newman, Francis Jocky’s brand of innovation has elicited the praise of Sting and Bono, and has been sought after by artists such as Jon Anderson of the rock band Yes and Stevie Wonder. After one listen to this solo debut, you too will find something to love.

“Mr. Pain” brandishes an expressive medley of jazz, funk, soul, fun and contemplative tempos, and tangible lyrical themes that will leave you reeling. “There are so many things that make you want to scream everyday. You need to express them,” says Jocky of his songs about love, humanity, and the mysterious, unpredictable world we inhabit. Blown away by the pieces “How Can I Stand,” “Sera” and “Song of Freedom” I hope, perhaps selfishly, that he will constantly find inspiration and cause to cry out. With this incredible project, pain is beautiful.

Reviewer: C. Lizaire new pop


Reviewer's Rating: 8.5
The Celebrity Cafe - The Celebrity Cafe


"Francis Jocky - Mr Pain"

Francis Jocky - Mr. Pain
- Too long nestled in the safe, but stifling cocoon of formulaic compositions, the unadventurous, subdued ear will be jolted at first introduction to Francis Jocky. Then, quickly recovering from the sensory ambush, it will perk up, allowing the beauty perceived to soak into the soul. Described as the synergy of traits distinctly Stevie Wonder, uniquely Bob Marley, noticeably Ben Harper and markedly Seal, the voice of “Mr. Pain” is undeniably original and all Francis Jocky.

Birthed and nurtured in native Douala-Cameron, and honed in France, Francis Jocky’s passion for music and skilled craftsmanship reap from a duality of rhythmic and cultural influences while drinking from a myriad of musical influences. Incorporating into his sound the jazz of Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk, and the New Orleans R&B/folk of Randy Newman, Francis Jocky’s brand of innovation has elicited the praise of Sting and Bono, and has been sought after by artists such as Jon Anderson of the rock band Yes and Stevie Wonder. After one listen to this solo debut, you too will find something to love.

“Mr. Pain” brandishes an expressive medley of jazz, funk, soul, fun and contemplative tempos, and tangible lyrical themes that will leave you reeling. “There are so many things that make you want to scream everyday. You need to express them,” says Jocky of his songs about love, humanity, and the mysterious, unpredictable world we inhabit. Blown away by the pieces “How Can I Stand,” “Sera” and “Song of Freedom” I hope, perhaps selfishly, that he will constantly find inspiration and cause to cry out. With this incredible project, pain is beautiful.

Reviewer: C. Lizaire, 05/07/06
Reviewer's Rating: 8.5
Reader's Rating: 9.67

- Celebrity Cafe


"The Successor of Al Jarreau"

"THE SUCCESSOR OF AL JARREAU"

Le Parisien
" The successor of Al Jarreau "

He should have been the first performer at Johnny Hallyday’s "Parc de princes" concert because of his magnificent stage presence. additionally, he should have won the "Star academy's" final, because his voice is far superior to other performers whose popularity is only temporary. this french-cameroonian artist named Francis Jocky is more than promising. on his recently produced solo album, Jocky’s voice, like Al Jarreau’s, is very groovy and lively, infused with instruments in very technological tones. Francis Jocky does everything. not only did he compose and write the twelve songs of the album, entitled "Mister pain", he also passes smoothly from soul to world music, from blues to ballad, and from synthesizer to simple guitar, resulting from experiences gained while working with different musicians, such as Jacques Higelin and the former leader of "Yes", Jon Anderson. while listening to songs on this album, most notably Mister Pain, My life or We are, one starts to hum the tonic melodies, as if struck by a sudden desire to dance. this music is ideal entertainment in these difficult times. not bad for a beginner and not surprising either, Francis Jocky is an animal on stage with an expressive energy, capable of heating up a room in no time at all. he is truly amazing !
MAURICE ACHARD –"LE PARISIEN" NEWSPAPER,
- Le Parisien Newspaper


"Francis Jocky - Mr Pain"

FRANCIS JOCKY : "MISTER PAIN"

Le Figaro
This french-cameroonian singer, pianist and guitarist, had developed his craft by performing at critical nightclubs such as the "sinaola" in paris. after performing with Jacques Higelin for a brief period as a pianist and meeting with the leader of "YES", Jon Anderson, with whom he formed a band called "know", Francis Jocky thrusts himself into the adventure of his first solo album. he had the chance to show off his eclectic style, which varies from blues to ballade, soul to funk, and synthesizer to piano, in twelve unique songs which he composed and produced by himself, for example, my life, higher love, and We are. Altogether, the songs contained in this album present an expressive voice which occasionally reminds one of Al Jarreau.


"LE FIGARO" NEWSPAPER", - Le Figaro


"Francis Jocky - Like You"

Starpolish
Starpolish "critics corner"

“Like you” may scan as overly simple just to read the lyric sheet, but in that simplicity lies its charm as a song. like a funkier Cat Stevens or a more direct Dave Matthews, Cameroon native Francis Jocky exudes sweet, sunny charm as he gets to the heart of the matter. a brisk piano and acoustic guitar combo shuffles along beside him as if on a leisurely country day trip.

Joseph McCombs - Starpolish


"Francis Jocky - Like You"

Very unique and interesting lead vocal. You sound like no one else that I've heard.
The backing vocals are stellar!
I am not personally into the "raggae flavor", but I must say it was a very refreshing listen. This song would cry out to most for some heavy production and mixing, but the clear and precise mix is the ticket to this well produced tune.
Both hands up!

Songcritic.com
- songcritic.com


Discography

The following songs from "Mr Pain" are getting airplay:
"Mr Pain"
"Higher Love"
"Song of Freedom"
"Like You"
"My life"
"Sera"
"Down Slow"
"Tell me Why"
"We are"
"So Sad"

Played on college radios throughout USA and Canda,
FIP Radio, RFI, France Musique, France Inter and Radio NEO in France, Japan, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland, Korea

Photos

Bio

Francis Jocky is one of the most exciting songwriters in the modern music scene. His music is a mellow blend of fantastic pop songwriting, international sounds and flavors, and soulful instrumentation. From Africa to France to the American stage, Francis Jocky is an artist with universal appeal.

Francis Jocky was born in Douala-Cameroon. From an early age he learned to express himself through music and by the age of twelve had begun playing piano and writing his own songs. At the age of fifteen Francis re-located to France and began to pursue his interest in music within the local music scene in a serious manner.

Francis has a wonderful duality as an artist which probably has its roots in his combined educational and musical training. He is the recipient of a doctorate from the prestigious Sorbonne in France combined with being a critically acclaimed musician and artist, who has made a name for himself in the European music scene.

Francis has played in several different bands along the way, but it was his collaboration with his brother Bobby in their band, CLASS that got the industry to take notice. The band was signed to a French label and was heavily promoted. Immediately following that experience, Francis began forming his own label.

As Francis’ reputation as an artist grew, he was approached by the legendary, Jon Anderson, lead singer of Yes. After hearing some of Francis’ work, Anderson proposed that the two form a band. In 1998, Francis and Anderson formed Know and were signed by Eagle Rock Entertainment. Fourteen songs composed by Francis became part of “Know”’s critically acclaimed album “The More You Know.”
Playing with Jon Anderson was a good experience, but Anderson’s attention was split by a “Yes” tour and Know was under-promoted.

Francis later performed at “A Tribute to Sting,” and also played his own music in clubs around the globe. His influences are easily traced to artists such as Jackson Browne, Randy Newman and Motown greats such as Stevie Wonder. He has been heavily compared to both Seal and Al Jarreau and also counts among his influences, jazz masters such as Miles Davis and Thelonius Monk.

Over the next few years Francis participated in many high profile concerts. Further more he was involved in the 2000 MIDEM music conference and in 2003 he put together his current band and was even fortunate enough to sing with Stevie Wonder while in Monte Carlo. The response of those shows was huge and Paris media hailed him as “The New Sensation.” In late 2003, Francis was invited to the Nemo Music Festival around the Boston Music Awards. “I was impressed with the reaction of the audience,” he says, “for me it was huge.” In 2004, Francis was approached by Eagle Rock Records to produce an album using South African music enhanced with Modern production. Francis took the producers role, taking the name of “Living Souls ” for the project. When the album, “Ambient Africa ” was released, it received critical praise from the worldwide media.

After working with artists such as Jon Anderson and performing with Stevie Wonder, Bono, Jacques Higelin, Ray Lema, and Wally Badarou, Francis embarked on the writing of his debut solo, CD, Mr. Pain. Written and produced entirely by Jocky, the CD has songs that talk about love, the state of the world and the human condition.