Search - Paris Combo :: Paris Combo

Just Incredible

3rdeadly3rd | Brisbane, Queensland Australia | 05/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'd tried to find this album for about 2 1/2 years before seeing it in the "rock" section of my local CD store (yes, I know that says something about the store but who cares?).It was definitely worth the wait to hear this delightful blend of jazz, gypsy music and old-style (pre-war) French nightclub music. This is probably a better albm than their second release "Living Room" - and it also allows you to see the beginnings of their sound before listening to the more evolved version on "Living Room".The best track here is probably "Moi, Mon Ame et ma Conscience" (if someone has the English translation of the lyrics PLEASE Email them to me, no one who I know can translate them). The track features a sprightly upbeat vocal from Belle, along with superlative playing by all the musicians concerned - Potzi's guitar solo and David Lewis' horn work are truly amazing. The song will really put you in the mood for dancing.Two of the other standout tracks here are the instrumentals "Interlude Potzi" and "Obliques". The former is Potzi's gypsy/jazz guitar for about a minute (superb playing again - impossible really to fault him) and the latter features the whole band with the exception of Belle's vocals. To some extent "Obliques" is let down by the fact that it is long enough to warrant voals but doesn't have them - but then again it is the only real opportunity in the band's discography to experience the instruments without interference."Le Roie De La Foret" and "St Exuberant" are also great tracks - although the latter does go for a bit too long in my opinion. This album also features a large number of tracks which are really excuses for Belle to demonstrate her vocal range (which is considerable and evokes memories - for those I've played it for who were there - of 1930s-1940s France). While these by no means detract from the whole, it is a considerable relief to see that by "Living Room" Belle was content just to voice jazz songs rather than do a whole lot of Edith Piaf impressions.The gypsy influence which a lot of reviewers have mentioned is a lot more pronounced here than on "Living Room". Potzi's guitar is often played in a distinctly non-French way and there are some other arrangements throughout which have that sort of sound. It is most noticable, however, on te final cut "Berry-Bouy" which features Belle singing in a language with which I'm not familiar. The lyrics in the liner notes appear to be Turkish but if anyone could Email me and set me right on this I'd be much obliged.Overall - a superlative listen and richly deserving of all the praise anyone can give it. These musicians need more exposure everywhere, so buy this album and help them out."

J'taime Paris Combo

pam67 | 07/18/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you have listened to Pink Martini's album or heard them live you'll understand when I say Paris Combo is like a french version of that band! The music is upbeat, cool, jazzy, french cabaret style which dares you not to fall in love with it. Put this cd on and close your eyes and you'll practically be able to smell the croisants baking. Paris Combo is a five member band using instruments like the accordian, trumpet, xylophone bugle and of course the beautiful voice of lead singer Belle du Berry. If you are a fan of Pink Martini you'll love this. If you haven't heard either of these bands go buy their cds! You don't know what you're missing."

Jazz ain't dead...

06/20/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"While many of the melodies of this song will be VERY familiar to those who bought their second album first (or vice-versa.)the lyrics are all fresh and vibrant. Their sound is seductive and playful, a musical Lolita, if you will. This is not music to play as background noise at suppertime! Tango! Salsa! Anything, but don't sit be sedate. Enjoy the rejuvenated sounds of Gallic strains and all that jazz."