Cassie Watson Francillon

Biography

Cassie Watson Francillon is a New Orleans-based harpist and composer who specializes in jazz, folk, and original music. She took an interest in the harp as a young adult and pursued formal training in New York City, studying with accomplished harpists including Gabriella Pinto, Brandee Younger, and Mia Theodoratus. Her artistic practice reflects a visionary approach to the harp, moving beyond traditional classical boundaries to explore contemporary and experimental genres.

Francillon's musical style encompasses a diverse range of genres including free jazz, ambient, breakbeat, classical, and experimental folk. Her compositions and improvisational sketches are characterized by deep invocations and sophisticated harmonic exploration. She has performed at notable venues and events in the New Orleans music scene, including performances documented by the New Orleans Jazz Museum and local media outlets.

Fun Facts

• Francillon came to the harp as a young adult rather than as a child prodigy, demonstrating that mastery of the instrument can be achieved through dedicated study at any life stage.
• She studied with multiple accomplished jazz harpists in New York City, including Brandee Younger, who is known for pioneering the use of the harp in contemporary jazz contexts.
• Her musical practice cycles through an unusually diverse range of genres—from free jazz to breakbeat to experimental folk—showcasing the harp's versatility beyond traditional classical repertoire.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Brandee Younger - Jazz harpist and instructor who taught Francillon in New York City (Unknown) [Young adulthood (specific years unknown)]
• Gabriella Pinto - Harpist and instructor who taught Francillon in New York City (Unknown) [Young adulthood (specific years unknown)]
• Mia Theodoratus - Harpist and instructor who taught Francillon in New York City (Unknown) [Young adulthood (specific years unknown)]

Key Collaborators

• Sulyiman - Performed alongside Francillon in concert events (Unknown) [Unknown]
• Mykia Jovan - Performed alongside Francillon in concert events (Unknown) [Unknown]

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found)
• MusicBrainz