Carmen & David come from Québec city, Canada. In the past 8 years, they gave not less than 600 concerts of jazz, french songs, pop and ethnic music in many cities of Canada, Poland, Taiwan, India, Nepal, Australia, New-Zealand, France, Vietnam, Austria, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and USA. They recorded two CDs under XXI-21 label in Montreal: "Bleu " (2003) and " Swing Manouche " (2004). Both received good critics from the press. They regularly play on national radios and televisions. Recently, BBC World has produced a documentary on the duo (Destination Music) and has filmed a live performance in Zory (Zory International Festival in Poland). In 2007, they will perform in Singapore, Brunei, Indonesia, Pakistan, USA, India, Bosnia and Croatia.
Carmen studied classical and jazz voice at Laval University in Québec city. Her vocal polyvalence gave her the opportunity to play as much in famous operas and jazz clubs all over the world. She's also a very popular vocal teacher for her extraordinary technique and her eclecticism.
David got many diplomas in classical and jazz music at Laval University and Quebec Conservatory. He is now working on a doctorate in baroque guitar interpretation at Montreal University. Very active as a soloist and in chamber music, he regularly performs internationally and gives master classes. He recorded 15 Cds - among them, the integral work of Robert De Visée - and he is teaching guitar at Sainte-Foy's college.
"Carmen & David, qualified of revelations!" Blues and Co. Québec
" [Carmen & David] present well known standards with a singular, a freshness and with originality. their spontaneity and their naturalness are attractive and contagious. Carmen's voice, contralto, is warm, deep, spacious, sometimes "black", her vocal possibilities are huge. David’s playing is virtuoso, soft, subtle, dedicated. (...) The pieces were performed with invention and audacity." Joanna Grabowiecka, Rybnik.com.pl, POLAND
“David is a self-affected musician who nonetheless impressed with his control of the instrument and sensitive handling" 11/11/05, The Statesman, INDIA
"The flamboyant Carmen whose evocative contralto voice captivated the audience (…)" The Statesman, INDIA
"Apart from having a husky and powerful voice, well suited to fast-paced numbers and ballads alike, Carmen turned out to be a consummate "scat" singer, her command of this improvisatory technique matching the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan. And David's improvisatory skill on the guitar, heard to be best advantage on a couple of solos, was evident to the discerning listener even when Carmen was singing. For, while she was improvising through scat, he was not merely accompanying her but setting up full-blooded if rather quieter melodic improvisations on the guitar." The Hindu, INDIA
"This was a very satisfying and enjoyable concert for the jazz buff." The Hindu, INDIA
"It was filled with rhythm, melody and spontaneity! " The Hindu, INDIA
"[...] So far, so straightforward. What is fantastic, though, is what these two manage to create between the guitar and the voice. First, the guitar, which often stays well in the background, supporting the voice, chameleoning between rhythm and bass and only occasionally coming out to take superb solos. Across the concert, David Jacques laid down a bravura history of the modern guitar from Charlie Christian to Bossa Nova to rock and all of it with no fanfare, no showmanship and really genuine feeling. On top of this, below and around this, was Carmen Genest, with what in this impoverished language can only be called her 'voice'. (...) I won't say the [organizers] have completely made up for all the dross we normally get in this town, but for that one evening I will forgive a lot." Delhi City Limits, November 30, 2005, INDE
"Fantastic music by the Canadians!" Taiwan News, TAIWAN"
Canadian pair Carmen and David were up next and no matter how many times you listen to them, you will never get tired. Their flamboyant jazz, sprinkled with tinges of French, is totally enthralling." Postnuke, Kathmandu, NEPA
“Carmen, while playing the percussions, sang a couple of French numbers and English numbers like their own rendition of Beatles with a perfect-pitch voice" The Kathmandu Post, NEPAL
“Capturing the original nuances of improvisational techniques, the band Carmen & David created high energy sounds of Latin jazz" The Himalayan Times, NEPAL
"The show that began with Ticket to Ride made students ride high throughout the show. Carmen was as exquisite as ever, drifting amazingly between scales" The Himalayan Times, NEPAL
"The show started off with a great performance by the Canadian duo Carmen & David" The Kathmandu Post, NEPAL
"What we saw last night was more than just a show, more than just music, and sure, much more than just another fun night. It was magic!" Jazz Urbano, Santiago, Chili.
"Carmen & David, qualified of revelations!" Blues and Co.
"A sun shining recording!" Claude Saucier, Radio-Canada.
"Excellent new album (...) All new, all nice! (...) tasty and refreshing arrangements with original personality (...) A wonderful and very fascinating album!" CKRL Radio, Québec city.
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