Piano Prodigy Jude Kofie to Headline Project Harmony’s 30th Anniversary Gala
5 days ago
France Paris Combo is a musical group known for its eclectic style, blending elements of traditional French chanson, pop, American jazz, swing, Roma music, and North African influences.
Collaborated with world-renowned choreographer Philippe Decouflé to create the closing ceremony of the 1992 Winter Olympics at Albertville. Belle du Berry, François Jeannin, and Potzi were involved in this project.
SFJAZZ currently offers a Paris Combo concert from 2018 in their 'Concerts on Demand' series, presented in memory of Belle du Berry.
Released debut album "Paris Combo" (1998) and "Living Room" (2001).
Released album "Attraction" (2002).
Released albums "Motifs" (2005), "Live" (2005), "5" (2013), and "Tako Tsubo" (2017).
Released album "Quesaco" (2022).
Record label for multiple Paris Combo albums including "Motifs" (2005), "Attraction" (2001), "Live" (2000), "Paris Combo" (2000), and "Living Room" (1999).
Record label for the album "5" (2014) in France.
Invited Paris Combo to create a tribute show for Belle du Berry in 2023, featuring guest vocalists Carmen Marie Vega, Billie, Ella Lewis, Aurore Voilqué and Mano Razanajato.
Paris Combo is a French musical group that has garnered international recognition for its unique sound. Until her passing in 2020, the group was fronted by singer and songwriter Belle du Berry, who was born Bénédicte Grimault in 1966. She began her musical journey in post-punk bands, later joining Les Champêtres de Joie, a revue that reinterpreted early 20th-century chansons with a punk influence. This period saw her collaborate with drummer François Jeannin and guitarist Potzi, and also contributed to the closing ceremony of the 1992 Winter Olympics with choreographer Philippe Decouflé. Belle du Berry’s diverse artistic involvement included theatre and film projects in the early 1990s.
The group officially formed in 1995, building on Belle du Berry’s collaborations with Australian musician David Lewis, who plays trumpet and piano. Lewis had moved to France in his early twenties, studying at the Paris Conservatoire and establishing himself in the French music scene. With Jeannin, Potzi, and original bassist Manohisa Razanajato, they developed their sound in Parisian cafes and along the Seine. Their debut album, “Paris Combo,” released in 1997, received critical acclaim and established their presence internationally. Their second album, “Living Room” (2000), was a commercial success, achieving gold status in France and leading to extensive tours in the United States, Australia, and Asia. This success was followed by “Attraction” in 2001, and “Motifs” in 2004, which further expanded their global reach with performances at venues like the Hollywood Bowl.
After a period of hiatus, Paris Combo reformed in 2010 with new bassist Emmanuel Chabbey, continuing to tour and record. Their fifth album, “5,” released in 2013, was met with positive media reception and led to sold-out tours across the U.S. and a return to Australia. “Tako Tsubo” followed in 2017, supported by further touring in the US, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. The tragic passing of Belle du Berry in August 2020, following a brief battle with cancer, marked a significant loss for the group. However, her final work with the band, the album “Quesaco?”, was released in 2022, serving as a tribute to her life and art. The group, with guest vocalists, continues to honor Belle du Berry’s legacy through their music and performances.
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