The harmonica isn ’ t an instrument you often hear in pop music , but the sound is unmistakable . Harmonica riffs punch through melodies , gliding around the rhythms and enhancing the overall sonic tapestry . Typically , this instrument plays a supporting role , providing accents to the main sound . But if you ’ ve ever heard Frédéric Yonnet brandish his harmonica as the leading voice in R & B , soul , reggae , and jazz , you realize the musician transcends musical boundaries and expectations . Originally from France and now based in Washington , D . C ., Yonnet has graced the stages alongside the best of them — Stevie Wonder , Prince , The Roots , and John Mayer — bringing the harmonica into the spotlight .
“ What is not exciting about this instrument ? It ’ s small , inexpensive , and fits in your pocket ,” explained Yonnet . “ This is the only instrument that allows you to create music by both inhaling and exhaling through it . When you play harmonica , it becomes a part of you , and you become a part of it . The sound resonates through your torso , into your throat , and into your head . The auditory experience is a unique sound — genuine to each harmonica player .”
Yonnet ’ s technique enables him to manipulate harmonica riffs to imitate the tones of a guitar , violin , or even a human voice . His versatility shines through as he effortlessly navigates genres like jazz , rock , hip-hop , and gospel . He has made significant contributions to film scores , including Martin Scorcese ’ s last two films , The Irishman ( 2019 ) and Killers of the Flower Moon ( 2023 ).
As a teenager growing up in Normandy , France , Yonnet played the drums . “ I was so passionate about becoming a drummer that I often took over the lead whenever I played with others ,” he confessed . “ This led to frustration for both me and the members of other bands . Eventually , I decided to put all that energy into another instrument .”
BY ROSALIND CUMMINGS-YEATES
Revisiting a diatonic harmonica , he had first received at a carnival , Yonnet ventured beyond blues , which is typically associated with the instrument , and began playing the kind of music he loved at the time — fusion , R & B , and jazz . “ I realized there were not a lot of harmonica players being featured in those genres of music , so it was an exciting opportunity for me to explore something new .” Soon he realized that playing the harmonica was good for his well-being .
“ I grew up with asthma and always had an inhaler in my pocket ,” Yonnet shared . “ The more I played the harmonica , the easier it became for me to breathe .” Eventually , Yonnet would forget to reach for his inhaler on the end table , but he never left his harmonica behind . “ Playing the harmonica heightened my awareness of my breathing and strengthened my diaphragm , making me feel better ,” said Yonnet .
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 44 WINTER 2023-24