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Paris Combo

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August 2002 Rock Pop Alternative

Written by Joe Hartlaub

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9.0

out of 10

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Artist: Paris Combo
Title: Attraction
Label: Ark 21 Records

Who says swing is dead? Certainly not in Paris, where Paris Combo brings a fun, intimate lounge swing act to life in their latest record, Attraction. The group possesses a whimsical, sauntering club sound that is not the hyped ska-big band style that died with the resurgence of zoot suits, yet is not entirely old school. Sure, it is showy and it is very French in flavor, but through the language barrier and kooky French attitude, Attraction is an eclectic addition to any collection.

Singer Belle du Berry’s warm, vocals wrap around the lyrics sensually; listeners need not know the meaning of the French words because emotion is well conveyed through the music. “Mais Que Fait La Nasat” is a bouncy start to a great album. “Trois Petits Points” is a breathier piece with a gypsy melody and bohemian trumpet lines. The band is a step ahead in their inventive blends of rhythms, vocals and subtle instrumentation like accenting muted trumpets, some gypsy fiddling and knowing when to break into a lush bass solo, as in “Danses des Espirits.” Their title track is fast paced, slinky with melodies winding like European country roads embellished with a Mediterranean instrumental break and Spanish guitar solos. Paris Combo even knows how to play the more classically French sounding pieces as they do with the seductive, “Lettre A.P.”. That track’s waltzing style, subtle clarinet and muted trumpet along with du Berry’s lingering voice belong in a rich French movie like Amelie. “Porquoi les Vaches” is a playful track that begins slowly, accelerates, puts on the break to sultry swaying melody and repeats the pattern over again. Paris combo can do it soft and sensually, or upbeat and mischievous.

Paris Combo is rather unknown in the states, but has picked up a devoted following with good reason. This group is a hidden treat; their album delicately embraces quirky French flairs, old-fashioned jazz and some gypsy zest. Some tracks will make you get up and dance, run to your nearest grocery store and grab a baguette. It certainly has an essence of a warm, late summer night at a Parisian lounge, only without the rude waiters. Just good drinks, and even better music.