Francis Jocky showcased at A&R Online.

PARIS SINGER AND SONGWRITER RELEASES NEW CD

December 9, 2005 (Paris, France) -- Francis Jocky, a singer and songwriter from Paris, France, has released his brand new album "Mr Pain". The CD contains 11 tracks of soulful pop that is acoustic, sometimes triturated, simple but always groovy. It is modern, and most importantly, the melody is omnipresent. “The songs contained in this album present an expressive voice which occasionally reminds one of Al Jarreau,” Jean Luc Wachtshausen of Le Figaro writes.

Francis Jocky, born in Douala-Cameroon, moved to France at the age of 15. “I remember by the age 9 I was fighting with my little brother to be the first one to enter to the church with my dad, because if you came first you could choose the instrument you wanted to play, maracas, congas, guitar,” Francis says. “And I remember we were really exited waiting the next Sunday to go to play and sing.”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.

Above all, Francis Jocky is a pianist inspired by the Jazz of Miles Davis and Charlie Parker. He discovered his love for music when he was a little boy and by age 11 he already composed his first songs. This passion has never left him and even during his studies he placed music above everything and started to play in several clubs throughout Paris as well as in other European cities, sometimes as a pianist, sometimes as a singer. In spite of Francis’ African roots, one can note the influence of several other cultures, which creates this original touch to his music. It is simply universal.

“I make music because I have something to say,” Francis explains. “There are so many things that make you want to scream every day, it’s just difficult to pretend they don’t exist. At the same time, music is art so you have to be very careful and find a good balance between what you want to say and the beauty of this art we all cherish.”

“Francis Jocky 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,” Maurice Achard of Le Parisien newspaper writes. “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.”

Press Review :

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.

You songcritic.com
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!

Le Parisien Newspaper
"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 every thing. not only did he compose and write the eleven 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 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 eleven unique songs which he composed and produced by himself, for example, my life, higher love, and hate is gone. altogether, the songs contained in this album present an expressive voice which occasionally reminds one of Al Jarreau. "LE FIGARO" NEWSPAPER"