Le Diamant Brut: Christian Scott & Paris 49
What’s the Deal: Okay, so they technically aren’t around anymore, but you can go see a different incarnation of the group playing the same songs from the self-titled album released in 2006 and more at The Gallery above The Continental Club every Thursday night for free. They also play free happy hours downstairs on Mondays under the name Continental Graffiti.
For those unfamiliar with Paris 49, Continental Graffiti and all things Olivier Giraud, think Django Reinhardt and Parisian bands of the 30s and 40s playing jazz. Giraud sings in both French and English and the songs move from energetic swingers to romantic evenings by the Seine.
The version of “Johnny, tu n’es pas un ange,” popularized by Edith Piaf, is one of the stand-out tracks in the group’s repertoire, with an irresistible beat and French chorus you’ll stumble on while you try to sing along.
Something Interesting: If nothing else, go check these guys out to find out exactly what it is to be ‘cool’, because let’s face it Austin, you could use a few lessons. Also, we have reason to expect another recording from the group soon. Well, according to Giraud, they just have to record it.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Vous Qui Passez” and “Menilmontant”
What’s the Deal: Rarely these days is a jazz musician able to puncture the mainstream and even make a dent in contemporary music outside of music schools and dank jazz clubs serving gin and tonics and unfiltered ‘cool’ by the glass. But, there is a small niche of young jazz artists around these days who are keeping the music alive and in some cases taking it places the old guard never did. Christian Scott is a trumpeter from New Orleans who graduated from Berklee College of Music in 2004 and has since released two full-length recordings and a live CD/DVD from his performance at the 2008 Newport Jazz Fest.
“Re:” from his sophomore effort is one of those songs that can immediately strike a chord with jazz fans. There’s a sort of classic style to his playing, while at the same you can hear the influence of hip hop on the beat. Many of the songs Scott weaves around his trumpet have elements of soul, rock and hip hop that buzz around his horn blasts. One of his more powerful tunes is “Litany Against Fear,” which is the first track on his album inspired by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. Guitar, drums and piano are also featured strongly on this sad, gloomy number.
Something Interesting: It seems fitting that he and rising jazz star Esperanza Spalding should be romantically linked, which reportedly they were for a time. They also collaborated on a little music together.
Other Tracks Worth Checking Out: “Rewind That” and “Rejection”
Christian Scott [Official]
Christian Scott [MySpace]
