Eclectic French jazz quintet, Paris Combo return to Australia

Jorge-Fidel-AlvarezHot on the heels of their brand new album, Paris Combo return to Australia to serve up their unique blend of gypsy jazz, French chanson and Latin rhythm, with a touch of Middle Eastern groove.

After sold out shows in 2015, the fun-loving quintet fronted by the charismatic Belle du Berry, are as diverse and sophisticated as the city from which they hail, garnering critical acclaim and an immense following, Paris Combo are thrilled to be back in Australia to perform their favourite songs as well as tracks from their new album, Tako Tsubo.

The Paris-based quintet have been making music since the early 90s, when they honed their eclectic, international sound performing in cafes and on barges along the Seine. Chanteuse Belle du Berry leads the line-up of Australian trumpeter/ keyboardist David Lewis, bassist Benoit Dunoyer de Segonzac, drummer/vocalist François Jeannin and guitarist Potzi.

Paris Combo’s enigmatically titled new album, Tako Tsubo leads us through a deliciously varied collection of musical atmospheres, ranging from the intimacy of the live combo to more lush orchestral settings and beautiful 60’s retro ala Bacharach with psychedelic overtones.

As always, a melange of musical influences underpin the infectious, toe-tapping grooves which have become their hallmark. The new album reinforces and expands Paris Combo’s fabulously cosmopolitan palette and will enhance their already considerable global attention.

The lyrical leitmotif of this new album, suggested by the song titles, Mon Anatomie, Specimen, Anémiques Maracas, ID d’Heidi, Profil is the human physique and the way our emotional and physical beings interact with each other. Tako Tsubo, the title track, is inspired by a rare condition known also as the ‘broken-heart syndrome’ – thank goodness Paris Combo have the cure!

“We’re thrilled to be back and look forward to sharing the new songs with Australian audiences, as well as the old favourites of course,” says Belle du Berry. “As for Tasmania and Brisbane it is our first visit, so we’re going to make a wish! Je fais un voeux!”

Six albums and two decades spent crisscrossing the globe, playing to enthusiastic audiences from Sydney to San Francisco and Berlin to Beijing have enabled Paris Combo to create a unique cosmopolitan sound, establishing the band as one of the most piquant, intriguing groups on the international music scene. To get a taste of the fun, free spirited musical dish served by Paris Combo book your tickets now!

“Paris Combo has fired the imagination of anyone who likes their music cool, continental, witty and more than a little mysterious.” – Boston Herald

Paris Combo
City Recital Hall, Angel Place, Sydney
Performance: Saturday 18 March 2017 – 7.30pm
Information and Bookings: www.cityrecitalhall.com

Concert Hall – QPAC, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performance: Monday 20 March 2017 – 7.30pm
Information and Bookings: www.qpac.com.au

Burnie Arts & Function Centre, 77 – 79 Wilmot Street, Burnie
Performance: Wednesday 22 March 2017 – 7.30pm
Information and Bookings: www.tendays.org.au

Wrest Point Entertainment Centre
Performance: Thursday 23 March 2017 – 8.00pm
Information and Bookings: www.tendays.org.au

Melbourne Recital Centre, Sturt Street, Southbank
Performance: Saturday 25 March 2017 – 8.00pm
Information and Bookings: www.melbournerecital.com.au

For more information about Paris Combo, visit: www.pariscombo.com for details.

Image: Paris Combo – photo by Jorge Fidel Alvarez