Musique Noire was founded in 2005. The members of Musique Noire, who live in Detroit and Chicago respectively, are seasoned players both nationally and internationally. They have performed with many high-profile artists such as Stevie Wonder and KEM, Aretha and El Debarge, Frank McComb, and Stevie Wonder among others. Led by violinist Michelle May (www.michellemay.net), the group produces a sophisticated sound showcasing unique arrangements of world fusion music. Current instrumentation: Michelle plays flute and violin, Leslie Deshazor Adams plays viola, Leah Lucas Celebi plays violin and viola, and JoVia Armstrong (www.joviamusic.com), plays percussion. Their debut CD “Good Hair” features original songs and three covers that reflect their musical influences in jazz, Latin, world, and funk. Their second CD, Holiday Dreams: A Celebration of Christmas, was released in 2011. It features their original arrangements of Christmas songs and the jazz classic “A Child Is Born”. “Reflections – We Breathe”, their latest album, celebrates women who are warriors in the arts. It features original songs and covers by Nina Simone, Eileen Ivers, and other artists. Musique Noire was nominated for the 2009, 2010, and 2011 Detroit Music Awards for Outstanding Jazz Recording (2009), Outstanding World/Reggae Group (2009), and 2015 winners of Best Black Female Jazz Group via Black Women in Jazz Awards from Atlanta, GA. www.musiquenoire.com
