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"The harmonica is the instrument of the dreamer, an ideal
companion for those who like to roam and travel. Its underrated qualities make
it the key to the world of make-believe."
The many articles and features that glory him in the musical
press and on the internet are unanimous: European harmonica virtuoso J. J. Milteau
is a matchless player, and his breathtaking technique fills with envy his peers
who admire his impeccable taste and praise his seemless playing.
For all his dazzling virtuosity, JJ is much more than a Paganini
of the diatonic. A consequence of his sincere modesty, his sincerity springs
up as soon as one hears his studio work or sees him on the stage where he gives
vent to his emotions with his inspired playing and high-soaring lyricism. Always
attentive to the world around him, JJ is a gifted story-teller whose music echoes
impressions and dreams brought home from his travels.
Born in 1950 in a Parisian working-class family, Milteau spent
the "rocking sixties" roaming across the planet, armed with the tiny
harmonica he decided to buy after hearing the recordings of obscure, if inspired,
blues wailers. The connivance between the man and his instrument was immediate
and they’ve stuck together since, through thick and thin. In the long run, this
association has been a fruitful one as JJ’s modest "lip ruin" took
him from South Africa to the Polar Circle, from Havana to Shanghai, from the
Mississippi Delta to the Paris Opera.
JJ sailed through the seventies sprinkling warm blue notes
on dozens of recordings by the cream of French singers (Charles Aznavour, Eddy
Mitchell, Yves Montand, Barbara...) before launching a series of personal explorations
on record and on the stage. Although his original love of blues music has never
waned, his influences encompass Louisiana zydeco, Zulu dances, Irish jigs and
Mexican fandangos, as well as the rich music tradition of Memphis where he recorded
in 2001 an eponymous album crowned by a Victoire de la Musique - the French
equivalent of a Grammy.
In his best-selling Universal sets, Memphis and Blue 3rd, JJ can be heard trading
licks with the likes of Little Milton Mighty Sam McClain, Gil Scott-Heron and
Terry Callier, proving once again his deep-felt attachment to African-American
music. Relentlessly inquisitive, the European harp master has much more to offer
than sheer technique. Behind his instrumental know-how, JJ has both feeling
and spirit: in Black America, they call it soul...
2006
CD "Fragile"
Featuring: Michelle Shocked, Demi Evans
On Tour: China (Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Wuhan, Guangzhou...)
2004
Show at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées Concert Hall
Concerts with the French National Orchestra, the Montreal Metropolitan Orchestra
On Tour in France, Ethiopia, Lithuania, Montreal Jazz Festival, Australia, New-Zealand,
New Caledonia, Jordania, Lebanon, Japan, Canada, India, Russia
2003-2002
CD "Blue 3rd" Recorded in New York Featuring: Gil Scott-Heron, Terry
Callier, N’Dambi, Howard Johnson
CD "Memphis" Best Blues Album at the French Music Award "Les
VICTOIRES de la MUSIQUE"
"GRAND PRIX JAZZ de la SACEM" Sacem is the French Society of Authors
and this prize is an award for the instrumental work and whole musical career
of the artist. Show at the Théâtre des Champs-Elysées Concert Hall
On Tour in France, Mexico, Germany, La Réunion, Poland, New Caledonia...
2000-2001
"CHOC JAZZMAN" of the year, Jazz Music Award for his CD "Memphis"
Recorded at the Royal Studio in Memphis Featuring: Mighty Mo Rogers, Little
Milton, Mighty Sam McClain...
New show on Tour in France, Europe, South and North Africa...
"DJANGO D’OR" for his CD "Bastille Blues" Best Blues Album
of the year
On Tour in France, Europe, Oceania, Asia (Mainland China, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia,
Singapore...)
1999-1998
CD "Bastille Blues", New show at the OLYMPIA Concert Hall and on Tour
Show at the CITÉ de la MUSIQUE Concert Hall: "The harmonica, the kids and
the hospital"...
On Tour: Taiwan, Mainland China, Singapore, Madagascar, Seychelles, Mauritius...
1997-1996
CD "Merci d’etre venus" J. J. Milteau invites: C. AZNAVOUR, E. MITCHELL,
F. CABREL...
On Tour with: Francis CABREL, Alain SOUCHON, Michel JONASZ, Maxime LE FORESTIER,
ZAZIE...
1995-1994
CD "Routes" is nominated for "Les VICTOIRES de la MUSIQUE"
Guest star with Eddy MITCHELL at the Casino, Olympia, Zénith and Bercy Concert
Halls
1993-1992
CD "Live", Guest star with Michel JONASZ at the Zénith Concert Hall
and on Tour
CD "Explorer" Best Instrumental Album "Les VICTOIRES de la MUSIQUE"
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