Jean Leloup

Jean Leloup
Origin: Quebec, Canada (Currently)
Album: Mille Excuses Milady
Release: 28 April 2009

Jean Leloup, aka “John The Wolf” (aka, aka Jean Leclerc), has a unique style to say the least. Having strong blues, some folk (both North American to Classic French Folk), rock, at times funk, and even some reggae. Then mixing these styles to bilingual lyrics (predominately French, and English).

Jean has always been an extraordinary lyricist and storyteller. His words, being his strongpoint, graze the fields from the ironic truth to the divulgence of stupidities, and from injustices to the ‘all about fun’ coupled with some personal anecdotes of life, that most everyone can relate to.

Amidst his talents is his ability as a guitarist. This versatility along with his concept of musical arts, the “don’t take yourself too seriously and let’s all have a good time” attitude enables him to write songs that will go from Hendrix to The Cure, finishing with chants and funky jams.

In this album you will find styles that touch on the Cure (song #1, #5 and #16). Having at times a beat you can dance to (song 1) which sounds like a mix between “the forest” and “love song”. With one guitar strummed on tempo while the other(s) providing mini light solos throughout the song. #16 will take that Cure sound and mix it with smooth classic rock style (acoustic guitar topped with an electric flanged & wah-wahed guitar topped with smooth jazz moments.

You will have your funk style songs like song #2, also Cure-ish in a way, and song #3 that borders hip hop. #13 will take you to that Jamiroquai vs. Sugar Ray then throw in that hip-hop feel again. Then the song ends in a funny twist that if it had to be compared to anything it would have to be: what it would sound like to make fun of the artist Garou.

Showing again that guitar talent you have your blues and rock style songs like #7 which is a straight up classic blues song. #17 also has the classic blues guitar riff with full drum beats backing his spoken word style, ending with Jean letting his guitar do the rest of the talking. #10 is a rhythmic, bluesy, light rock, smooth song, with a musical resemblance to something you would hear from Incubus. #11, resembles a bit to its predecessor, however this one is joined with a reggae vibe. #14, which was previously released online as an acoustic song, is rerecorded to a modern French rock style, somewhat like an Indochine song. Again showing that he needs nothing but an acoustic guitar his #15 has that Jack Johnson fun song style.

Jean’s versatility keeps shining through with songs like #4 which has that traditional French folk sound complimented by a mariachi guitar playing technique. His folk continues in #8 resembling that of Cat Stevens: a huge acoustic guitar and a touch of a woman’s voice in the chorus to add to the feel of the song. #9 is also a classic French folk jingle, like you would hear in a modern more Beatles-ish version of Brel vs. Dutronc.

But Jean still likes to chill and #6 and #12 are pretty chill with light guitar riffs a nice bass line in the background. That ambient music you get from a Quentin Tarantino movie.

Although there are many comparisons and references possible, “John The Wolf” is so unique in his individual style that he officially merits a genre of his own. Don’t be surprised to hear that someone else’s sound is “a la Jean Leloup”.

Along with our aim of expanding the culture of our members and readers, if you are looking to expand your horizons this is a good place to start.

Look for this album and others by Jean Leloup (and Jean Leclerc) on our themo store. Click any ticketmaster link to purchase ticket and see if Jean Leloup is playing somewhere near you.

Images taken from:
http://www.roiponpon.com/

Tags: Beatles, bilingual, blues, Brel, canada, Cat Stevens, Dutronc, English, folk, FRANCOPHONE, Garou, guitar, HIP HOP, Incubus, Indochine, Jack Johnson, Jamiroquai, jazz, Jean Leclerc, Jean Leloup, Jimi Hemdrix, John The Wolf, love song, Mille Excuses Milady, music, music reviews, Quebec, Quentin Tarantino, reggae, review, ROCK, rock n roll, Sugar Ray, The Cure, the forest, themo, themo.org, young