Cellist Helen Gillet constructs a one-woman symphony to perform “Atchafalaya,” a song about her journey to Louisiana, followed by “Chagrin,” a French children’s song. In this mesmerizing performance, Gillet adds texture and complexity to the music through layered loops of cello lines and seamless shifts between English and French. Jazz-based cellist, singer, composer and improviser Helen Gillet grew up in Belgium, Singapore, Chicago and Wisconsin, but has set deep roots in New Orleans over the past decade and a half. Performing her own eclectic mix of French, contemporary jazz, North Indian, blues and classical styles, Helen has forged a path for the cello in the Big Easy music scene since her arrival in 2002.
The native of Belgium launched her career as an improviser, singer and cellist with the North Hindustani vocal ragas of the late 90s, which introduced her to the world of improvisational jazz, funk, rock and French music — all of which are major components of her music stylings today. She has performed extensively across the United States and Western Europe, collaborated with some of the biggest names in popular music and recorded music for several films. Her compelling live performances can shift seamlessly between layered loops of cello lines and rhythms to a understated French song from her Belgian childhood.
The native of Belgium launched her career as an improviser, singer and cellist with the North Hindustani vocal ragas of the late 90s, which introduced her to the world of improvisational jazz, funk, rock and French music — all of which are major components of her music stylings today. She has performed extensively across the United States and Western Europe, collaborated with some of the biggest names in popular music and recorded music for several films. Her compelling live performances can shift seamlessly between layered loops of cello lines and rhythms to a understated French song from her Belgian childhood.