“Cascadeur” meaning stuntman or circus performer in French, is the stage name of singer/pianist Alexandre Longo who hails from Metz, de Lorraine, France. Born to musician parents, Longo began to play piano at age 8 and incorporates his talent for the instrument throughout his two albums, The Human Octopus (2011) and Ghost Surfer (2014). Stylistically, Cascadeur encompasses the haunting nostalgia that artists like Coldplay employ throughout their music, except with the addition of synthesizers.
If you were to see Cascadeur live, Longo and his keyboard would be front and center surrounded by other musicans of his band wearing macho libre type masks. Likewise, Longo pays homage to his stage name by donning a closed biker helmet with a red star on it. Literally masked, Cascadeur’s performance focuses not on aesthetics but on Longo’s vocal ability accompanied by his talent as a pianist. He usually sings in the upper register of his range, similar to Adam Levigne of Maroon 5 and Michael Jackson. The lyrics of almost all the songs are in English with recorded introductions and transitions in his native French tongue.
Some songs, like “Walker” and “Into The Wild” are meditative and the perfect thing to listen to as you wind down your day. Other hits like “Ghost Surfer” I would add to my on-the-go playlist as I go for a leisurely drive or a brisk walk through the park. Don’t let Cascadeur’s unusual getup deter you from seeing Cascadeur live. If you’re one to appreciate great piano music in a completely non-classical context, check this guy out.
jessbuena
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