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Grégory and Jacques were both born on December 22, 22 years apart. They also have played together for the last 22 years.

Moreover, they represent two generations of pioneers of Afro-Caribbean Jazz, from the two sister islands of the Antilles: Martinique and Guadeloupe. Their two musical visions, although distinct, have evolved in symbiosis over the course of many previous collaborations.

22 is the fruit of this cross-pollination, in search of a multidimensional expression, both sophisticated and devoid of artifice.

In the absence of drums, they transpose this rhythmic language into their fingers and their breath through the piano and the saxophone. We find it first in their rhythmic command and creativity, but also in the deconstruction and reconstruction of traditional patterns, perceptible both in their playing and in their respective writings.

This foundational material serves as fertile ground where melodic and harmonic colors come together, drawing from the French impressionists, Gwoka and Belè chants, the processions of New Orleans, Senegal, and even the Middle East. Grégory and Jacques used a refreshing and contrasting palette to create 22: a magical and sui generis universe.

The event is co-sponsored by the Department of French and Francophone Studies and the Performing Arts Series.