ANDREEL

I don’t know if Andreel counts as a Paris jazz group, as it's an ever changing line-up of fine Paris musicians from a variety of musical backgrounds and since I'm trying to write about where to see jazz in Paris I figure they're worth including in this list since even for all their French chanson style, they certainly draw on Jazz influences. They interpret the chansons of long and lanky Andre, lead singer & writer. I’d call it 'quirky, jazzy French chanson with ironic, touching or often just charmingly, silly lyrics'. The quartet lit into the songs with enthusiasm and commitment. Elodie Bremaud on trombone was channeling a New Orleans inspired rumble, Helene Vouhé on clarinet swung her way through the arrangements and Simon Drouin on guitar brought a Brazilian lilt to the whole affair. The tiny basement cellar of the Les Dechargeurs was the perfect intimate venue for them - I don’t think it can seat much more than 25 and the arched ceiling makes for a wonderful acoustic, and its a club in Paris where they often hold jazz concerts. Andreel is up next at 29th of July, playing for free at le Divan du Monde. Check out songs at www.andreel.com