Forming back in 2005, the jazz and world music group Musique Noire are Michelle May (violinist and flutist), Leslie Deshazor (violist), and JoVia Armstrong (percussionist). Initially, the group performed mainly arrangements of various jazz tunes, but it became clear that there was a strong need to create their own material. After a few personnel changes, by 2006 the lineup was complete with the addition of Leah Lucas on viola and violin.
The name “Musique Noire” was decided upon because the group’s musical interests were mainly around jazz and world music, but always the undercurrent was that the music was informed by the culture of Black people.
Musique Noire were 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2018 Detroit Music Awards nominees for Outstanding Jazz Recording (2009, 2018) and Outstanding World/Reggae Group (2009, 2010, 2011, 2018) and 2015 winners of the Best Black Female Jazz Group through Black Women in Jazz Awards out of Atlanta, GA. The group has just been nominated for a 2023 Detroit Music Award for Outstanding World Recording for ‘in*ter*gen*er*a*tion*al.’
‘in*ter*gen*er*a*tion*al’ is the groups newest world jazz fusion album. Consisting of 7 original songs from each member of the group and 3 young up and coming musicians, the songs encapsulate the female experience through generations.
“in*ter*gen*er*a*tion*al is a collaboration with three outstanding up-and-coming musicians to show that the legacy of unique performances and songwriting, such as what we as Musique Noire do, is vibrant in the next generation,” shares Michelle May. They believe in leaving a legacy and wanted to have a unique way to reach out to a younger generation.
Leslie’s contribution, “Motherless Child”. This was a traditional spiritual that she always loved and enjoyed arranging it to include African-style rhythms. Leah’s contribution, “Kaleidoscope” is an original from her husband John, who is a jazz pianist, drummer and composer. JoVia’s contribution, “Nirvana -Feast or Famine” incorporates themes of Afro-futurism and features lyricist Mahogany Jones. Michelle’s contribution, “Cuban Sunset (Arterdercer Cubano) was an opportunity for her to explore and express herself by performing a completely improvised tune.