Paris Combo

The smoky ambience of a Paris nightclub permeates this cabaret-tinged debut from Paris Combo, who come off as a Gallic version of Dan Hicks and his Hot Licks, albeit with their own distinctive repertoire and reference points. These 15 originally penned songs draw from Gypsy, Italian, and Spanish influences along with the swing of Django Reinhardt and some cool-jazz licks as garnish. The five-person combo, fronted by the delightful Belle du Berry, features upright bass, piano, trumpet, xylophone, drums, and guitar, with Berry's light and quirky contemporary vocals especially notable on the torch songs. She has elements of Marlene Dietrich and Edith Piaf but simply does not carry their weight. The lyrics (all in French with no English translations) are intelligent and witty, matching the inventive music arrangements from this eclectic and very musical group that can swing with the best of them. Paris Combo are no mere nostalgia act--they plot an innovative course of their own making with nods to many artists and cultures. --Derek Rath