Paris Combo: Breezy And Infectious Music To Get You Moving In Your Seats – Adelaide Cabaret Festival Review

Dunstan Playhouse, Sun 7 Jun The stage setting for Paris Combo suggests a serious concert is about to take place. But Paris Combo is not just a concert band – they look as if they would rather have everyone up dancing than glued to their seats. Their music is breezy, infectious, and it becomes increasingly difficult to sit still. Guitarist Potzi gets the gypsy rhythms going and plays some impressive guitar breaks. David Lewis plays some very tasty piano and trumpet (sometimes at the same time) and takes on the role of bandleader. Emmanuel Chabbey on bass and Francois-Francois on drums hold it all together with consummate ease. But it is the enthusiasm and personality of singer Belle du Berry that sets this band apart. Despite some evident limitations to her English she chats and jokes comfortably with the audience. She loves to dance whenever the music is playing, and the music of Paris Combo is written for dancing. Because the lyrics of the songs are all in French, Belle takes it upon herself to explain what each song is about (spoiler alert: they’re all about love!). Having Australian David Lewis in the band makes him the perfect choice to take on interpreting duties whenever Belle’s English gets a little tangled. There are some party tricks in the show; Drummer Francois-Francois takes over on vocals for one song while David Lewis performs a tasteful trumpet solo with the trumpet immersed in a large bowl of water. But the new material is perhaps even stronger than the old – always a good sign, and it is clear that the band is enjoying playing together again. What we get is some exquisite music, and it’s difficult not to join in the fun. By the end of the performance Belle has achieved her aim – many of the sell-out crowd are up dancing, and they remain on their feet to give a standing ovation. Adrian Miller Paris Combo continues at Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre, from 7.30pm until Mon 8 Jun. Book at BASS on 131 246 and bass.net.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.