In Marseille a gentleman is called a 'moussu'. Not a 'monsieur', therefore, because in the port city they speak Occitan, just as in large parts of southern France. The Moussu T from the band name is Tatou, a lifelong advocate of this language. In Paris, they see Occitan as a French dialect, but understanding the texts of Moussu T & lei Jovents doesn't get you far with your school French. You
… can also decide to ignore the foreign language and concentrate on the music. The group has been playing a mixed bag of the music styles that arrived in Marseille for 20 years. Blues are an important ingredient, as is music from the Caribbean, North Africa and Réunion. The folk music of the Occitan interior has also left its mark in this band's inimitable mixed bag. Navega !, the seventh studio album, is an excellent starting point to get to know this versatile group. (PdK)more
