Yacoub is known for his poetic lyrics that often use language in interesting ways, as well as his subtle but intricate guitar technique. Several of his songs have been covered by other folk artists, such as Joan Baez, who did an amazing cover of "Les Choses Les Plus Simples" with French star of Chanson, Maxime Leforestier. The English version of that song, translated as "The Simple Things We Said," was covered by the late, great Dave Van Ronk who personally requested it.
"The Simple Things We Said" is also the title track of Yacoub's first US release a few years back, featuring several of his songs in English, as well as some of his best French work, presented acoustically. Yacoub wishes to capture the essence of his performances in the United States, which are often solo. In France, he often performs with a trio of musicians, including a bassist/pianist, and violinist.
Yacoub got his start in the music world as a guitarist with Celtic performer Alan Stivell. He later created name for himself through the 70's as the leader of the band Malicorne, best known for their polyphonic vocal harmonies. As a solo artist, Yacoub has spent over three decades incorporating traditional songs and instruments into his repertoire. He also includes his own elegant, provocative songwriting to the mix, which has caught the attention of fellow musicians and listeners alike.
Despite the fact that he records mostly in French, Yacoub has an international following. He himself also draws from American folk artists, such as his friend Richard Shindell. Yacoub met Shindell when Shindell was in France. As a gift, Shindell presented Yacoub with the beautiful song, "You Stay Here," which appears on The Simple Things We Said as well as Yacoub, which was released in France at the same time Simple was released in the U.S. Even when singing in English, Yacoub's voice resonates with passion and his accent only adds character to already deep material. I have always found it interesting to compare Shindell's version of "You Stay Here" with Yacoub's, as there is an additional verse that Shindell sings, that Yacoub chooses not to. If you want to know what it is, you'll have to do the legwork yourself -- it is worth it.
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