Matthieu Van / "The Seventh Son"

Matthieu Van / «The Seventh Son » : a Musical Revelation

Can a « middle class white boy » authentically play the blues. This question of legitimacy haunted pianist Matthieu Van until he discovered Mose Allison (1927-2016). This white pianist from Mississippi sang the blues with a phrasing reminiscent of African-American bluesmen, while simultaneously developing a sophisticated piano style influenced by Thelonious Monk. Immersed in rural blues from childhood, Allison simply went "wherever his ears led him." This philosophy was a revelation: musical authenticity transcends origins.

"The Seventh Son" extends this spirit by celebrating the universality of blues and jazz. Matthieu Van takes us on a festive and intimate journey, where Allison's flegmatic irony and groove find a contemporary echo. His answer to the question, "Can a white person play the blues?": "Challenge accepted!"