Jazz Articles about Ya Ya Fournier

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Ya Ya Fornier with David Murray: Bearcat

by Todd S. Jenkins
December 4, 2003

Without the featured vocalist, this disc would have been a run-of-the-mill set by David Murray. In fact, the second track is an average instrumental headed by Murray and Sweet Sue Terry. Unfortunately, when Ya Ya Fornier steps in, the interest level drops even further.

The singer is the widow of drummer Vernel Fornier, and apparently a longtime friend of Murray’s who talked the saxophonist into supporting her on this outing. Which would be fine if Mrs. Fornier weren’t so lacking ...

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Ya-Ya Fornier: Bearcat

by Franz A. Matzner
October 5, 2003

Termed a “debut” album, Bearcat features vocalist Ya Ya Fornier, veteran saxophonist David Murray, and bassist Jaribu Shahid, along with a score of guest musicians. Though this album represents the first recording venture for Fornier, wife of the late Vernel Fornier, it is certainly not the first time Ya Ya has been around recording, which may have encouraged her to take this leap late in an already jazz-infused life. A sentimental mix of standards and originals, Fornier's ...

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Ya Ya Fornier: Bearcat

by C. Michael Bailey
July 25, 2003

Ya Ya Fornier is not exactly a newcomer. Her late husband, Vernell Fornier, was a drummer long associated with Ahmad Jamal. Bearcat is the vocalist's first recording, however, and she has recruited none other than David Murray, the iconoclastic and enigmatic tenor saxophonist who has been an American expatriate for the last number of years. The recording is dedicated to another saxophonist, Clifford Jordan, who composed the title cut, offering both Ms. Fornier and Mr. Murray ample area in which ...