Jean-Philippe Rykiel
Photo: Melissa
Jean-Philippe first met Tim Blake in 1973,
when his father, who had up to then occupied himself
with Jean-Phi's musical education
invited Tim to lunch, in order to discuss the possibilities
of an un-sighted youngster
turning to the art of the synthesiser.
Already an accomplished musician and pianist from a very
early age
Jean-Philippe was able to follow Tim's advice , and started
working with the Minimoog
at the age of 12. Several Years later, he re-met up with
Tim, and studied his
particular ways of music making, resulting in his participation
in
"Blake's New Jerusalem", and touring with the Crystal
Machine, even to Japan,
despite being a minor.
The incredible trust that, first his father, and after
his death, his mother gave to Tim
started the career of one of the world's most amazing
synthesists and keyboard players.
Ater the 1979 Crystal Machine tour, when Tim left
the Paris Music scene for Brittany,
Jean-Philippe became a frequent guest on the recordings
of many Gong members including:
Steve Hillage and Didier Malherbe, before commencing
a number of voyages to Africa.
In Africa, Jean-Philippe's career as both a musicien,
composer and record producer developed rapidly,
Working with most of Africa's well known Artists : Youssouf
N'Dour, Sakif Keita, Amadou & Myriam
as well as a host of less well known ones. His deep understanding
of DX7 programming
revolutionised the position of keyboard instruments as
well, offering a large palette of
plucked and slapped sounds adding to those created by
traditional instruments.
He has also made a series of recordings with Llama Gyourmé
Rimpoche, much loved
by friends of Tibetain Buddist culture throughout the
world.
You can Now buy Under The Tree from this site