The Lost Fingers
Just over a year ago, the trio made of Christian Roberge, Byron Mikaloff – two classically-trained guitarists who attended the Conservatoire de musique de Québec – and bass player/Laval University alumnus Alex Morrissette was taking its gypsy jazz from reception to bars to weddings. One night, singer Christian Roberge had a crazy idea : with the group’s gypsy jazz style, why not play classics from the 80’s. It turns out the idea was crazy enough to work. The moment of epiphany came in 2006, when the two were at a gas station and a Samantha Fox song came on the radio. While Mikaloff was filling up, Roberge played along and suggested they record a tribute to the 1980s. An arrangement of Fox's Touch Me (I Want Your Body) was worked out. They recruited Morrissette, who had previously worked with Mikaloff, to help record the Fox cover. The bassist came for the sessions and never left. That is how the magic ride began.
The trio named itself in honor of Belgian gypsy jazz guitarist Jean « Django » Reinhardt, who lost two fingers in the fire that ravaged his caravan. Reinhardt had to relearn to play guitar and even invented a unique jazz-inspired method to play his instrument.
With their gypsy rhythms, the Lost Fingers’ covers are so good that one almost forgets the original versions of the 80’s songs that were virtually brought out of mothballs. Everybody swings to the tunes and, in some cases, even rediscovers these songs.
Christian and Byron have been playing together since 1994 and the trio has only been jamming for a few years. Considering how tight their sound and shows are, it seems hard to believe that they have together for a rather short period of time.
Their success has transcended borders. Their debut album, «Lost in the 80's», found its way to the top of the best-selling charts in Mexico and was followed by a large offensive in both Europe and Turkey.
THE ALBUM
The Lost Fingers just released their follow-up album, titled «Rendez-vous rose». This opus, which covers several Francophone classics, was certified gold in just a few short days.
« Rendez-Vous Rose » includes well known French songs and some funny and unexpected duets with the likes of Plastic Bertrand, Nanette Workman, Michel Louvain, la Compagnie Créole and Éric Lapointe, just to name a few. All these artists have worked with the trio during the recording sessions.
Meanwhile, the debut album, «Lost in the 80's», is now certified triple gold with 150,000 copies sold in the province of Québec alone and Samantha Fox, the singer behind the song that launched the trio, is said to have loved the way her song was covered.
A PROJECT AND A DREAM
2010 will mark the 100th anniversary of the late Django Reinhardt’s birth. Considering the large influence the man had on the Lost Fingers, the trio is currently working on what Byron refers to as “a crazy concept”. “We’re looking to have a really big show with internationally-renowned artists''.
''Working with Stevie Wonder, as well as Cyndi Lauper and Rick Astley is one of Byron’s big dreams. He would love to do a cover of one of those old cheesy, yet good hits”. No challenge seems too big for this group that seems ready to conquer the world, one gypsy jazz chord at a time.
THEIR TAKE ON SUCCESS
''Success hasn’t changed our lives all that much. People just recognize us more and sometimes, funny things do happen. Québec fans are extremely respectful and to them, we’re just like friends''.
So now comes the big question : What’s next for the Lost Fingers? For one thing, they would love to go to France and work with some of the greats of gypsy jazz. With the hundredth anniversary of Django Reinhardt’s birthday coming up, this dream is about to become reality.
In the meantime, over the next few months, the trio will ride their wave of popularity as they keep touring the province. They will also work on a first foray into the American market.
SOME MAGICAL MOMENTS
''To see the fans’ energy and how they truly listen is really something else''. As the Lost Fingers opened the Québec Summer Festival with style, they essentially held a party… with 45,000 friends. Along with a whirlwind of special guests, they have truly electrified the crowd gathered on the Plains of Abraham.
Far from forgetting their origins, the local boys set out to give the fans a show they wouldn’t soon forget and delivered on that promise, going as far as paying tribute to the late Michael Jackson by delivering their own rendition of the King of Pop ‘s classic Billie Jean. True magic indeed not only for all those in attendance for the trio.
The love story between the city and the Lost Fingers does continue to grow.
Texte : Nadine Brillant
