Paris Combo
About
Six albums and two decades spent criss-crossing the globe, playing to enthusiastic audiences from Sydney to San Francisco and Berlin to Beijing, have enabled France’s Paris Combo to create a unique, cosmopolitan sound, establishing the band as one of the most piquant, intriguing groups on the international music scene. Fronted by the charismatic vocals of chanteuse Belle du Berry, the combo have struck a chord with critics and audiences alike with their fun-loving mix of swinging gypsy jazz, cabaret, French pop and Latino and Middle Eastern rhythms.
Artist Links: Website | Facebook | Soundcloud
Areas of Representation: North & South America / UK
Biography
Belle du Berry – Vocals, Potzi – Guitar, François Jeannin – Drums/Vocals, David Lewis – Trumpet/Piano Benoît Dunoyer de Segonzac – double bass, Rémy Kaprielan – percussion, vocals, sax
Six albums and two decades spent criss-crossing the globe, playing to enthusiastic audiences from Sydney to San Francisco and Berlin to Beijing, have enabled Paris Combo to create an international following with their unique, cosmopolitan sound. Fronted by the charismatic vocals of chanteuse Belle du Berry, the combo have struck a chord with critics and audiences alike with their fun-loving mix of swinging gypsy jazz, cabaret, French pop and Latino and Middle Eastern rhythms. Venues and festivals where they have performed include the Hollywood Bowl, Olympia, le Grand Rex, la Cité de la Musique, SF Jazz, Montréal Jazz Festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival…
“Tako Tsubo”, their sixth studio album was released worldwide in 2017 and, in 2018 they defied expectations again with « Paris Combo Remixed », composed solely of remixes of their songs.
Paris Combo will release their 7th studio album in 2020 and tour Europe and the US starting Feb-March, including 4 shows at SF Jazz’s Miner Auditorium in San Francisco and Symphony Space in New York.
The group’s roots are multiple and varied. Lewis played with Manu Dibango’s Soul Makossa band, Belle du Berry started her career with a punk group and guitarist Potzi honed his guitar chops among Roma musicians. Belle and Potzi and drummer François met in Paris as part of the quirky retro revue, “Les Champêtres de Joie” which went on to collaborate at the closing ceremony of the Albertville Winter Olympic Games in 1992. Du Berry and Australian-born trumpeter-pianist David Lewis met while performing together at the “Cabaret Sauvage”. The musicians began with covers of songs from the 1940s then Lewis joined and he and du Berry began writing original songs, forging the group’s distinct identity. In 1995 the group began to hone their sound playing in cafés and barges along the Seine under the name “Paris Combo”.
The band met during a time in Paris when there was both a revival of swing music and a very conscious mixing of genres. Du Berry cites influences such as Arletty, the French singer-actress of the ’30s, but also the Surrealists and a panoply of more recent artists including the B-52’s. Potzi’s Django-influenced guitar often mixes with François’ ska or Latin grooves to create a fascinating blend. Lewis, who has worked with a wide variety of artists including Manu Dibango, Maurane, Arthur and Carla Bruni, attributes the group’s approach to Paris’ cosmopolitan atmosphere.
Paris Combo’s eponymous 1997 debut disc arrived as the swing revival was in full bloom, yet the band’s wide- ranging mix of musical influences instantly set them apart from other groups in the genre, winning critical praise and appealing to international audiences. The momentum continued with the release of their second album, “Living Room,” which went gold in France in 2000, and confirmed the group’s international standing, with tours of the United States, Australia and Asia and a nomination at the French industry awards, Les Victoires de la Musique. The following year Paris Combo released their third set, “Attraction,” with a series of concerts at the prestigious Cité de la Musique in Paris. Their fourth album, “Motifs,” 2004, was supported by a tour that included Australasia, Brazil and the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles where the group was accompanied by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. The troupe reunited in 2010 after a four-year hiatus and spent a year writing, rehearsing and rediscovering their hallmark sound. They began performing the new material that evolved into the album “5” and, in September 2011, delivered a memorable come-back show with orchestra, again at the Hollywood Bowl, kicking off in style an exciting new phase in their career.
Tour Dates
Tour History
2020
Mar 28, 2020 | Venue Info | |
New York, NY USA | Sony Music Hall | |
8:00 PM |
Mar 26, 2020 | Venue Info | |
Seattle, WA USA | Triple Door | |
7:30PM |
Mar 23, 2020 | Venue Info | |
Santa Cruz, CA USA | Kuumbwa Jazz Center | |
7:00PM |
Mar 22, 2020 | SF Jazz | Venue Info |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
2:00 PM |
Mar 21, 2020 | SF Jazz | Venue Info |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium - Family Matinee | |
11 AM |
Mar 21, 2020 | SF Jazz | Venue Info |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30 PM |
Mar 20, 2020 | SF Jazz | Venue Info |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30 PM |
Mar 19, 2020 | SF Jazz | Venue Info |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30 PM |
2019
Jan 19, 2019 | Venue Info | |
Boston, MA USA | Berklee Performance Center | |
8:00PM |
Jan 17, 2019 | Venue Info | |
Chicago, IL USA | City Winery | |
8:00PM |
Jan 16, 2019 | Venue Info | |
Minneapolis, MN USA | Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant | |
8:00PM |
Jan 15, 2019 | Venue Info | |
Minneapolis, MN USA | Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant | |
8:00PM |
Jan 13, 2019 | Venue Info | |
Folsom, CA USA | Harris Center for The Arts | |
1:00PM |
Jan 12, 2019 | Venue Info | |
Berkeley, CA USA | Freight and Salvage | |
8:00PM |
Jan 10, 2019 | Venue Info | |
Seattle, WA USA | Triple Door | |
7:30PM |
Jan 9, 2019 | Venue Info | |
Seattle, WA USA | Triple Door | |
7:30PM |
Jan 6, 2019 | Venue Info | |
Washington, DC USA | City Winery - DC | |
8:00PM |
2018
Aug 5, 2018 | Venue Info | |
New York, NY USA | City Winery | |
8:00PM |
Aug 4, 2018 | Venue Info | |
Raleigh, NC USA | NCMA Museum Park Theater | |
8:30 PM,6:30 PM doors |
Aug 2, 2018 | Venue Info | |
Indianapolis, IN USA | The Cabaret | |
7:00PM |
Aug 1, 2018 | Venue Info | |
Phoenix, AZ USA | Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) | |
7:30PM |
Jul 29, 2018 | 2018 Summer Sessions | Venue Info |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:00PM |
Jul 28, 2018 | 2018 Summer Sessions | Venue Info |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30PM |
Jul 27, 2018 | 2018 Summer Sessions | Venue Info |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30PM |
Jul 26, 2018 | 2018 Summer Sessions | Venue Info |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30PM |
2017
Feb 25, 2017 | Venue Info | |
Somerville, MA USA | Somerville Theatre | |
8:00 PM |
Feb 21, 2017 | Venue Info | |
New York, NY USA | City Winery | |
8:00PM |
Feb 19, 2017 | Venue Info | |
Chicago, IL USA | City Winery | |
8:10 PM - 9:40 PM |
Feb 18, 2017 | Venue Info | |
Minneapolis, MN USA | Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant | |
7:00 PM + 9:00 PM |
Feb 16, 2017 | Venue Info | |
Seattle, WA | Triple Door | |
7:30PM |
Feb 15, 2017 | Venue Info | |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30PM |
Feb 14, 2017 | Venue Info | |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30PM |
Feb 12, 2017 | Venue Info | |
Santa Monica, CA USA | The Broad Stage at Santa Monica | |
7:30 PM |
Feb 11, 2017 | Venue Info | |
Phoenix, AZ USA | Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) | |
7:30 PM |
Feb 11, 2017 | Venue Info | |
Phoenix, AZ USA | Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) | |
7:30 PM |
2015
Dec 11, 2015 | Cancelled | |
Alameda, CA USA | Rock Wall Wine Company | |
6:00PM |
Jul 17, 2015 | Venue Info | |
New York, NY USA | City Winery | |
8:00PM |
Jul 15, 2015 | Venue Info | |
Indianapolis, IN USA | The Cabaret at The Columbia Club | |
Jul 14, 2015 | Venue Info | |
Chicago, IL USA | City Winery | |
8:00PM |
Jul 12, 2015 | Venue Info | |
Madison, WI USA | Central Park | |
6:15PM |
Jul 12, 2015 | Fete de Marquette | Venue Info |
Madison, WI USA | Central Park | |
Time TBD |
Jul 11, 2015 | Venue Info | |
Raleigh, NC USA | NCMA Museum Park Theater | |
8:00 PM |
Jul 10, 2015 | Venue Info | |
Boston, MA USA | French Cultural Center | |
7:00 PM |
Feb 20, 2015 | Venue Info | |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30PM |
Feb 19, 2015 | Venue Info | |
San Francisco, CA USA | Miner Auditorium | |
7:30PM |
2014
Apr 19, 2014 | Venue Info | |
North Vancouver, BC CANADA | NSCU Centre at Capilano University | |
8:00PM |
Apr 18, 2014 | Venue Info | |
Seattle, WA USA | Town Hall Seattle | |
8:00 PM |
Apr 17, 2014 | ||
Napa, California USA | City Winery - Napa | |
8:00PM |
Apr 16, 2014 | ||
San Francisco, CA USA | SF Jazz Center | |
2:15 PM |
Apr 16, 2014 | Venue Info | |
San Francisco, CA USA | SF Jazz Center | |
7:30 PM |
Apr 14, 2014 | Venue Info | |
Minneapolis, MN | Dakota Jazz Club & Restaurant | |
7PM + 9PM |
Apr 13, 2014 | Venue Info | |
Chicago, IL USA | City Winery | |
5:00 & 8:00PM |
Apr 12, 2014 | Venue Info | |
Notre Dame, IN USA | Leighton Concert Hall - DeBartolo Performing Arts Center | |
7:30 PM |
2013
May 3, 2013 | ||
Boston, MA USA | Berklee Performance Center | |
8:00PM |
May 2, 2013 | ||
Brooklyn, NY USA | Littlefield | |
May 1, 2013 | ||
Reston, VA USA | CenterStage at Reston Community Center | |
8:00 PM |
Apr 30, 2013 | Venue Info | |
New York, NY USA | Joe's Pub | |
7:30 PM |
Apr 28, 2013 | ||
Irvine, CA USA | Soka PAC | |
3:00 |
Apr 27, 2013 | ||
Santa Monica, CA USA | Broad Stage at Santa Monica | |
Apr 26, 2013 | ||
San Francisco, CA USA | California Institute of Integral Studies | |
Apr 24, 2013 | ||
Livermore, CA USA | Bankhead Theater | |
7:30 PM |
Apr 23, 2013 | ||
Indianapolis, IN USA | The Cabaret at The Columbia Club | |
Apr 23, 2013 | ||
Livermore, CA USA | Bankhead Theater | |
7:30 PM |
Apr 20, 2013 | ||
Chicago, IL USA | City Winery | |
Apr 20, 2013 | ||
Bloomington, IN USA | Buskirk-Chumley Theater | |
8 PM |
Apr 19, 2013 | ||
Cleveland, OH USA | Cleveland Museum of Art - Gartner Auditorium | |
7:30 PM |
2012
Dec 20, 2012 | Venue Info | |
Istanbul, TURKEY | Babylon | |
Dec 19, 2012 | Venue Info | |
Istanbul, TURKEY | Babylon | |
Feb 16, 2012 | ||
Istanbul, TURKEY | Sanat | |
2011
Sep 18, 2011 | ||
Los Angeles, CA USA | Hollywood Bowl | |
Sep 17, 2011 | ||
Los Angeles, CA USA | Hollywood Bowl | |
Sep 16, 2011 | ||
Los Angeles, CA USA | Hollywood Bowl | |
2005
Nov 4, 2005 | ||
Somerville, MA USA | Somerville Theatre | |
Nov 3, 2005 | ||
Flint, MI USA | Flint Cultural Center | |
Nov 1, 2005 | ||
Vancouver, BC CANADA | Caravan World Rhythms | |
Oct 31, 2005 | ||
Seattle, WA USA | Triple Door | |
Oct 30, 2005 | ||
San Francisco, CA USA | Herbst Theatre | |
Oct 29, 2005 | ||
Schaumburg, IL USA | Schaumburg Prairie Center | |
Oct 27, 2005 | ||
New York, NY USA | Symphony Space | |
Jul 2, 2005 | ||
Jacksonville, OR USA | Britt Pavillion | |
Jun 30, 2005 | ||
Saratoga, CA USA | The Garden Theatre, Montalvo Arts Center | |
Jan 22, 2005 | ||
Sherbrooke, QC CANADA | Theatre Centennial Bishops University | |
Jan 21, 2005 | ||
Montreal, QC CANADA | Centre Pierre Peladeau | |
Jan 19, 2005 | ||
Los Angeles, CA USA | Fais Do Do | |
Jan 18, 2005 | ||
San Francisco, CA USA | Great American Music Hall | |
Jan 16, 2005 | ||
Memphis, TN USA | Buckman Center | |
Jan 15, 2005 | ||
Chicago, IL USA | Old Town School of Folk Music | |
Jan 12, 2005 | ||
Washington, DC USA | Smithsonian Assoc Ripley Cntr | |
Jan 8, 2005 | globalFEST | |
New York, NY USA | Public Theater | |
Jan 7, 2005 | ||
Somerville, MA USA | Somerville Theatre | |
2004
Sep 19, 2004 | ||
Los Angeles, CA USA | Hollywood Bowl | |
Sep 18, 2004 | ||
Los Angeles, CA USA | Hollywood Bowl | |
Sep 17, 2004 | ||
Los Angeles, CA USA | Hollywood Bowl | |
Sep 15, 2004 | ||
Napa, CA USA | Napa Valley Opera House | |
Feb 17, 2004 | ||
Chicago, IL USA | Old Town School of Folk Music | |
Videos
Paris Combo – “JE SUIS PARTIE” – Official Clip from Ta-Dah Music on Vimeo.
Paris Combo – Notre Vie Comme Un Western from Aćim Vasić on Vimeo.
News
- Belle du Berry, vocalist with Paris Combo, has diedI am sorry to inform everyone that Paris Combo’s charismatic vocalist Belle du Berry died yesterday, August 11, 2020. We had worked with Belle and Paris Combo for more that 20 years. She was a wonderful vocalist, center-stage attraction, mother, spouse, and an irreplaceable friend. My most sincere condolences to her family.
Bill Smith
Here is the ...
Press
The marvelously eclectic Paris Combo, (romped) through jazz-tinged selections energized by the quirky vocals of Belle du Berry and Gypsy rhythms of Django Reinhardt-influenced guitarist Potzi. — LOS ANGELES TIMES
If music be the food of love, then Paris Combo is a banquet. – ADELAIDE ADVERTISER
Returning to America after a too long hiatus, the swinging 5 piece Paris Combo mixed infectious and irresistible rhythms and melodies (guaranteed to get you to grab your partner) with lyrics about every facet of love imaginable, and doing it by melding Hot Jazz of the 20s with a Rive Gauche sensibility. — JAZZ WEEKLY
Fun, musically intelligent and entertaining…Paris Combo is the real deal and hopefully they’ll be back in Cleveland sometime soon. – CLEVELANDCLASSICAL.COM
Over the course of five albums, the Paris Combo has fired the imagination of anyone who likes their music cool, continental, witty and more than a little mysterious. — BOSTON HERALD
Last night’s performance of Paris Combo at City Winery Napa was a cool, refreshing dip into the deep end of some seriously fun Frenchness. — EXAMINER
My favorite French cultural export of the past decade is this French quintet. — SEATTLE TIMES
A French quintet with a seemingly endless supply of catchy hooks and imaginative lyrics. — VARIETY
It felt like you were in a swinging, bohemian Parisian nightclub of the ’20s and ‘30s…. — EXAMINER .COM (Indianapolis)
Paris Combo brings its eclectic, exotic sounds back to Seattle – Seattle Times Interview
Radio play tracking list for Tako Tsubo: Crossover Media
Downloads/Media
Technical Riders:
Paris Combo Rider – 5 Piece: Download (pdf)
Paris Combo Rider – 6 Piece: Download (pdf)
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