Search - Paris Combo :: Paris Combo

Splendid

Sarah Bellum | Dublin, OH United States | 08/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really like this CD. It's breezy, fun, acoustic (!), nostalgic... what more could one want?! If you are not familiar with Paris Combo, they are a jazz quintet from France. Belle du Berry supplies the singing, while the guys back her with an acoustic ensemble that blends American jazz and even a little swing with French chansons and even some Algerian / Moroccan music. To give you a little further idea, some of the guitar playing is in reminiscent of Django Reinhart. The sum total is an energetic, eminently listenable sound that will have you accompanying them, even if you don't know what she is singing because it is in French. This debut release is outstanding; in fact, I liked it so much I bought a copy for my brother, who liked it so much he, in turn, shared it with some co-workers. Buy it."

Hip, hot, rooted in tradition, cutting edge--and fun!

Frank Camm | Northern Virginia | 03/22/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Quietly slick band with a fresh, inexperienced (that is to say, un-French, more American) vocaliste. Successful mix of Euro-pop, le Hot Club, and lounge. Serious boulevardiers take a big step back toward tradition from the Negresses Vertes and it works. Dramatic. Great fun. Stand-outs: tr 7-Istanbul (Arabic; play it with (1) Dan Hicks: I scare myself; (2) They Might Be Giants: Constantinople), tr 8-Le roi et le forêt (ska), tr 9-St. Exubérant (Spanish/Moorish); tr 15-Berry-Bouy (klezmer) [53:36]"

Incredible - a favorite

David Dare | Newport, RI USA | 11/16/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Their first album is still one of my favorite albums. It has a modern recording sound to a mixture of French chanson, gypsy jazz, and hot club music. There are probably other ways to classify this music, but I just love it. The english translations are included as well, so that helps to make it easier to understand the meaning of the songs. The Paris Combo are excellent musicians and also excellent lyricists. This album finds its way on to my stereo pretty often."