A Unique New Sound

Craig and The Frenchman will showcase their talent during their premier performance as part of the After Hours Music Series at the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library on Friday, July 8 at 7 p.m. 

For Craig Hoek and Phillipe Dardour, the Frenchman, music has always been part of their lives.

"I've played in original rock bands and in some jazz bands. For the last 30 years I've never not been playing music. It's just something that I do. When I was 17 I was playing with 30-year-old guys. Even though I was young I was playing with adults," Hoek said.

Dardour grew up in France and has also played music since he was a child. Both men play acoustic guitar. Hoek also plays flute and saxophone while Dardour rocks the slide guitar.

The pair met two years ago in Hoboken, and began playing music together for fun with no intentions of starting a band. After a while, their wives both suggested that they start playing for other people.

Hoek, who is married to MAPL Adult Services Librarian Jill Stafford, describes their sound as a fun twist to folk music. And if that isn't unique enough, the duo adds an extra dash of their personalities by performing in both English and French.

"We're sort of honing in on the fact that one of us was born and raised in the United States and one of us was born and raised in France. We try to pick a selection of songs that would be meaningful to both sides of the Atlantic. For instance, some songs we do will be in English while some songs we do will be in French. Some songs we split in half, especially if its a song that people know," Hoek said.

Their bilingual folk sound should present an intriguing first performance. According to Hoek, they try to keep everything light and fun, even if some of the songs are sad.

If you are interested in attending this free event, register with Jill Stafford by emailing jstafford@lmxac.org or calling 732-583-9100.