Album Notes

Jazno Francoeur and Susanne Türner are writers of confessional music, inspired by such poets as Robert Creely, Wallace Stevens and Rainer Maria Rilke. Their compositions draw on an eclectic blend of styles and employ a wide range of exotic instruments. Musical influences include: Leonard Cohen, Kurt Weill, Kate Bush, and Dead Can Dance.

Reviews for IN YOUR BED:

"There's obsession, and then there's Mercy Machine (mercymachine.com). The duo -- singer-guitarist Jazno Francoeur and singer-guitarist Susanne Turner -- spent two years in the studio perfecting their latest release, the double-disc "In Your Bed." It was nothing but the best for the pair, who merged beautifully arranged classical instrumentation and emotional vocals to create a dark-pop dream. Countless string tracks -- sometimes as many as 80 -- were layered to achieve the heavy, atonal effect they were after. Rounding out the studio team were bassists Dan Cermeno and Doug Mathews (of Sam Rivers fame), pianist/soundscaper Kays Al-Atrakchi, bodhran player Christian Mildh, [cellist Paul Fleury], orchestral percussionist Robert Blum and pianist Harrison Light. Grammy-winning classical specialist Bob Katz mastered the project."
--Mark Padgett , The Orlando Weekly, 4/18/02


"This CD is a tribute to the minor keys that are endemic to Dead Can Dance, Lisa Gerard and the plethora of 4 A.D. artists that are around. The Mercymachine consists of Susanne Turner and Jazno Francoeur on vocals, Paul Fleury on strings, Dan Cermeno and Doug Matthews on double bass, Kays Al-atrachi on soundscaping and piano, Christian Mildh on bodhran, Robert Blum on orchestral percussion and Harrison Light on piano. Yes, all of these artists make up the Mercymachine, and, yes, they are all put to excellent use. There is some obvious talent in this group. The interweaving of the intricate patterns, strings and vocal harmonies that are heard on this recording can only be described as classical-pop. The musicianship on this album is of the highest caliber, and in no way am I insinuating that this is any mere pop band. This is definitely a thinking man's pop band. Don't be scared off by that term, because they do it extremely well. The Mercymachine takes us back to that dark corner of your mind that you hardly use anymore. This recording is grand, dark, and so lush you could cut it with a knife. At times the lyrics are a bit on the obtuse side, but you would expect that from such an elegant recording. My favorite song is " My Joan of Arc". It gives Phil Spector a run for his money with its brilliant use of percussion and an oppressive wall of sound. A second disc is included and it features instrumental mixes."
--William Gregory, On the Turntable