Paris Combo Biography
The French based Paris Combo was formed in 1995 when the trio of Belle Du Berry, Francois-Francois and Potzi (who'd all been performing together) were joined by David Lewis and Mano Razanajato. An unlikely meeting of varying cultures combined in the formation of this acoustic group -- two French members, vocalist du Berry and drummer Francois, Australian trumpeter Lewis, Madagasgan bassist Ranzanajato and Mediterranean guitarist Potzi. Collectively they combine several styles of music like cabaret, gypsy, and swing jazz and inject them sparingly with Latin rhythms, Spanish guitar and on rarer instances with Asian and Mid-Eastern motifs. This esoteric melding of cultures and musical influences yields a hybrid that, while it relies on retro sources, comes across as neither contrived nor forced. Du Berry's flitting yet commanding voice lies somewhere between that of Edith Piaf and Anna Purnell. Potzi's guitar playing combines the gypsy styling and swing of Django Reinhardt the warm intonations of Joe Pass and the rhythm of Charlie Christian. Lewis' frequently muted trumpet recalls the swing and sweet bands of the ‘30s and ‘40s. He also doubles on piano which enhances the jazz effect but the diversity of Paris Combo prevents any strict categorization. Their debut Paris Combo was released in 1997 followed by Living Room in 1999. Both were released on the American, Tinder Records label and both retained the same personnel. Attraction was released in 2001 on Polygram. ~ Dave Sleger, All Music Guide
Popular Biographies:
Tomita Biography: Pioneering Japanese composer and synthesizer expert Isao Tomita bridged the gap between note-by-note classical/electronic LPs like Switched-On Bach and the more futuristic, user-friendly interfaces...
Coil Biography: Initially established in 1983 as a solo outlet for vocalist and percussionist John Balance, the experimental sonic manipulation unit Coil became a full-fledged concern a year later following the...
Beck Biography: One of the most inventive and eclectic figures to emerge from the '90s alternative revolution, Beck was the epitome of postmodern chic in an era obsessed with junk culture. Drawing upon a...
Jennifer y los jetz Biography: At just 13 years of age, Jennifer Peña became one of tejano music's biggest female stars after the death of Selena in 1995. Influenced mostly by the tejano superstar, Peña was born in...
Lina Biography: Not to be confused with the young French singer of the same name, Lina is an operatic-sounding neo-soul singer from Texas, who fuses contemporary R&B with the style (and samples) of classic swing and...
Krisiun Biography: Formed at the outset of the '90s, Brazilian death metal band Krisiun featured guitarist Moyses Kolesne, his brother Max Kolesne on drums, and bassist/vocalist Alex Camargo. Employing a vicious,...
Ekstasis Biography: The experimental trance music outfit Ekstasis was led by noted underground guitarist Nicky Skopelitis, and featured fellow downtown New York City musician Bill Laswell in addition to Jah Wobble, Jaki...
Zion train Biography: Multimedia acid-dub collective Zion Train comprised vocalist Molara, DJ/bassist Neil Perch, trumpeter David Tench, melodica player Colin Cod and trombonist Chris. Formed in North London in...