Some encounters can only happen through music. On one side, there’s Barefoot Iano, the barefoot harmonica player, Australian by birth and French by choice. On the other, Mister Mat, a French singer and guitarist with a strikingly powerful and soulful voice steeped in blues, rock, and soul. Though nothing seemed to predestine them to meet, their partnership quickly became self-evident, and they soon became inseparable.
From their very first album in 2009, Mountain Men found the common ground that solidified both their artistic bond and their connection with audiences. Their repertoire is remarkably diverse, ranging from blues to French chanson, with stops in country and grunge, covering the full spectrum of emotions, from gentle ballads to explosive rage.
But most importantly, it’s their irresistible personalities that truly resonate, the whimsical, dreamy harmonica player and the deeply soulful storyteller, drawing in listeners who are sensitive to their raw and unfiltered expression. Their performances are intimate and human in scale, marked by an emotional intensity that, whether raw or subtle, always feels deeply genuine. It’s a refreshing contrast in a time when artifice so often takes precedence over authenticity.
After four albums and hundreds of concerts, including unforgettable appearances at Jazz à Vienne, the duo, once inseparable, decided to go their separate ways for a time. But recently, they announced a long-awaited reunion. The Théâtre Antique is the perfect setting for their return and a heartfelt reunion with their audience.