What People Are Saying
"The cultural melting pot of Detroit has produced remarkable jazz artists who incorporate diverse ethnic sounds into their music. Led by violinist and flutist Michelle May, Motor City quartet Musique Noire weave elements of Spain, Africa, India and the Middle East into their sonic tapestry. But jazz and blues provide the bedrock on which they build, as they and their guests draw connections between America's grand music and its antecedents and analogs on 'Reflections: We Breathe' (Ann Vincent Productions), their latest recording. That the group comprises all women lends a powerful point of view. . .”
—Jazziz Magazine (Spring 2018 Print and Digital Subscription Version)
“The impressive collection of tracks reveals the unique talents of Musique Noire and their collaborators. The band believes in leaving a legacy and wanted to have a unique way to reach out to a younger generation.
The album’s sophisticated sound and unique arrangements of world, jazz, soul, and R&B traditions make it a must-listen. With a nomination for a 2023 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding World Recording, Musique Noire continues to prove that they are a force to be reckoned with.”
— modernmysteryblog
“Musique Noire is an all-female jazz world fusion group based out of Detroit, Michigan. Their sound is not only a unique vibe you won’t hear anywhere else, but the band is changing the way music is taught and introduced to young people. All four main members are working musicians and passionate music educators. ”
— independentartistbuzz
The ensemble Musique Noire, fuses world music and jazz, resulting in a style that is at once classical and cutting edge. The unconventional combination of violin, viola and percussion lends an exotic air to the group's arrangements of jazz standards and original compositions.
- J. Nadir Omowale (African American Family Magazine 2008 Print Version)
“Intergenerational is a beautiful EP that showcases Musique Noire’s incredible talent and unique sound. It is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates jazz and soul. ”
— Divine Magazine
(Michelle) played with suburban metro Detroit symphony orchestras to keep her skills sharp. After some creative restlessness and having performed with jazz trumpeter Marcus Belgrave and other notable local musicians, May wanted to stretch her classical roots from European to American soil – jazz. She started an all-female quartet, which blended jazz sensibilities with classical training, and called it Musique Noire. It encompasses world music as well as anything that might be dubbed unclassifiable. "It's black music," May says. "The premise of what we do – there's always that black music influence. All of us are still playing classical music on various levels."