Melbourne-based, French inspired ensemble La Nuit Blanche will bring the music they love to a modern Australian audience in two concerts this November and December.
Featuring the gypsy sounds of accordion and guitar, and the sexy jazz brawn of saxophone and double bass, with purring jazz and pop vocals, this band is like nothing else in Melbourne. All musicians in the ensemble, respected in their own fields of jazz, soul and world music, come together to create an exiting energy transporting audiences to a jazz club in Paris for a moment.
Their album Live at the Paris Cat released in July this year, features fresh new takes on beloved French songs old and contemporary. Bringing you the songs of Charles Trenet, Eartha Kitt, Vanessa Paradis, Madeleine Peyroux …. Oh la la, c’est si bon!
“The band formed as five musician friends who had a common interest in French music, and for me always have a secret desire to perform French cocktail music as if in a sixties movie one day (as confessed lifelong Francophile and vintage tragic!),” said Singer Raleigh Williams.
“We play classic well-known French repertoire like Piaf that even those non-French speakers in Australia might know but also adapt modern songs by French language artists – but with jazz instrumentation and arrangement to give it consistency and a new sound.”
“The distinct album cover and poster designs have always been modelled on sixties Villemot Bally advertising campaigns, the band gained momentum quickly after being formed 5 years ago and we’ve performed at many events for French notaries in Australia, high-end private parties in secret gardens, Melbourne festivals and jazz clubs.”
“Next year I have the Hong Kong/Singapore/Japan scene in my sights for the band as I think we approach the music so uniquely, at least for in the Southern Hemisphere!” added Williams.
Joining Williams is Enzo Ruberto on Double Bass, Nathan Slater on Guitar, Salvatore Greco on Accordion and Julian Banks on Saxophone. Previous performances have included The Paris Cat, Brunswick Music Festival, Stonnington Jazz Festival, Paris to Provence, Bastille Day Festival, St Kilda Jazz & Alliance Francaise Jazzy Jeudi.
La Nuit Blanche
The Jazzlab, 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick
Performance: Friday 16 November 2018 – 6.30pm (doors: 6.00pm)
Bookings: www.jazzlab.club
Paris Cat Jazz Club, 6 Goldie Place, Melbourne
Performance: Friday 14 December 2018 – 7.00pm (doors: 6.30pm)
Bookings: www.pariscat.com.au
For more information, visit: www.lanuitblanchemusic.com for details.
Image: La Nuit Blanche (supplied)