Who is David Lewis?
I am trumpeter-pianist with the group Paris Combo currently on tour in Australia. I grew up in Australia and have been living in Paris for thirty years, working as a performer, arranger and composer in the jazz and pop scene there.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
Nothing!
Who inspires you and why?
I recently scored the music for the ABC documentary, The Crater directed by David Bradbury and the whole experience of working on the film, including visiting Hanoi, was inspiring.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Talking to audience members makes me realize how music can profoundly touch and enhance people’s lives. I’d like to continue what I’m doing with that in mind – it’s both encouraging and humbling.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
Chalonnes sur Loire, near Angers in France, sipping a Chablis on the banks of the Loire at sunset…
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
To a good Parisian restaurant or to a bar like the Lou Pascalou in the 20th district where there’s good music and great atmosphere.
What are you currently reading?
Dino: Living High in the Dirty Business of Dreams by Nick Tosches.
What are you currently listening to?
John Lewis – Bach Preludes and Fugues
Happiness is?
Having time to spend with family. Being absorbed in the present moment, whatever I happen to be doing, musically or otherwise…
What does the future hold for you?
More touring this year with Paris Combo in the US, Canada and Europe and a new album in 2016, plus a variety of recording work with other artists… and the European summer holidays with family.
Paris Combo’s story began in the early 90s when Belle du Berry (vocals), Potzi (guitar) and François Jeannin (drums, percussion, vocals) first performed in Paris as members of a quirky retro revue before going on to collaborate at the closing ceremony of the Albertville Winter Olympic Games.
Australian-born David Lewis (trumpet, flugelhorn, piano) joined the group in 1994 and the band honed their sound playing in cafes and on barges along the Seine. Their self-titled 1997 debut album arrived as the swing revival was in full bloom, yet the band’s wide-ranging mix set them apart and instantly appealed to fans internationally while generating critical praise.
The band found even more success with the release of their second album, Living Room which went gold in France in 2000 and was nominated for a French Music Award. Their third set, Attraction seduced more followers the following year and was followed by a live album in conjunction with extensive concert tours in the US, Europe, Asia and Australia. Motifs followed in 2004 and was supported in the US by their Hollywood Bowl debut.
After a four year hiatus, the troupe reunited in 2010 after a four-year hiatus and spent a year writing, rehearsing and rediscovering their hallmark sound while adding new bassist Emmanuel Chabbey to the lineup. They have just released their fifth album titled 5.
Paris Combo will be performing at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival (7 – 8 June), the City Recital Hall, Sydney (10 June) and the Melbourne Recital Centre (11 June). For more information, visit: www.pariscombo.com for details
Image: David Lewis