Paris Combo

Formed in 1995 in France, Paris Combo came together when Belle Du Berry, François François, and Potzi welcomed David Lewis and Mano Razanajato into the fold. The resulting acoustic ensemble reflected an uncommon convergence of backgrounds: French vocalist du Berry and French drummer François, Australian trumpeter Lewis, Madagascan bassist Razanajato, and Mediterranean guitarist Potzi. Their sound wove cabaret, gypsy, and swing jazz elements together with occasional Latin rhythms, Spanish guitar lines, and infrequent touches of Asian or Mid-Eastern motifs. Although rooted in earlier traditions, the blend avoided any sense of artificiality or strain. Du Berry’s agile yet authoritative vocals occupy a space between Edith Piaf and Anna Purnell, while Potzi’s guitar work merges the gypsy swing of Django Reinhardt with the warm phrasing of Joe Pass and the rhythmic drive of Charlie Christian. Lewis’s often-muted trumpet evokes the swing and sweet bands of the 1930s and 1940s; he also contributes piano, heightening the jazz dimension, yet the group’s breadth resists narrow classification. The self-titled debut album appeared in 1997 on the American label Tinder Records, followed by Living Room in 1999 on the same imprint and with the same lineup intact. Attraction arrived in 2001 via Polygram, and Motifs followed on DRG in 2005. The 2013 release 5 earned strong notices and supported extensive touring, including the band’s first U.S. dates in more than a decade. Paris Combo issued their sixth studio album, Tako Tsubo, in 2017.