This latest from the French-based quintet Paris Combo is the perfect way to beat the post-holiday blues and add a little warmth to the deep winter.  “Motifs” again gives the listener a much-needed shot of beated cabaret-styled Gallic swing jazz and pop.

            Lead singer/lyricist Belle du Berry, a survivor of French punk outfits, adds wry humor, puns and sarcasm to the band’s continental pop.  Thankfully, du Berry is neither an Edith Piaf nor Francois Hardy wannabe.  She affects her own in-control vocal persona that’s slightly cool and a little passionate with lots of eye-rolling attitude.

            All of these songs are melodic, accessible and full of pop sensibilities with the combo turning up le jazz hot.  Although the group’s stance is thouroughly French, other members bring various international touches to the bandstand: there’s David Lewis, a trumpeter and pianist from Australia; guitarist Potzi’s Algerian roots; bassist Mano Razanajato’s Madagascar background; and drummer Francois Jeannin’s Gallic Jazz rhythms.

            The ensemble’s musical execution is nimble, full of pop and skilled.  Even if the listener knows no French or is a rabid Francophobe, he or she will still be charmed by the group’s hybrid pop.  Vive le Combo, c’est jazz hot!

-Eric Feber, The Pilot