- Les Négresses Vertes
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Les Négresses Vertes, formed in 1987, is a French music group that is best described as a fusion of world music and some aspects of alternative rock. Their tracks often feature acoustic guitar and accordion, as well as some tracks containing many other 'traditional' instruments such as piano and brass. Their style is fairly upbeat and energetic on the majority of their tracks, with unusual rhythms, vocals delivered with a generous dose of zeal and vibrant energy, and accompaniment melodies ranging from lilting and distant to eccentric and fast-paced. These two factors give many of their pieces a strong sense of direction.
Contents
History
Formed in 1987, Les Négresses Vertes arose from the alternative music scene in Paris. The original line-up included singer Helno (born Noël Rota in Paris, December 25, 1963 - January 22, 1993, also known as Helno Rota de Lourcqua), Jo Roz (also known as l'Ami Ro; real name Joe Ruffier des Aimes) (piano), Stéfane Mellino (guitar), Jean-Marie Paulus (bass), Gaby (drums), Matthias Canavese (accordion), Michel Ochowiak (trumpet), Abraham Sirinix (also known as Abraham Braham) (trombone) and Iza Mellino (backing vocals).
The original members were a group of friends, many of whom had not played their instruments before forming the band. The group's name translates as "green negresses"; it arose from abuse hurled at them at one of their first concerts. The insult is a comparison to the kitsch art of Vladimir Tretchikoff. They were initially signed to the independent Off The Track label, and released the punk protest song "200 Ans D'Hypocrisie" in response to their country's French Revolution bicentennial celebrations.[1]
In 1989 they released their first album, Mlah, to good reviews in both France and the UK, where the single "Zobi La Mouche" just failed to reach the charts and where they toured and played the WOMAD festival. They also made a controversial tour of Lebanon. Their second album, Famille Nombreuse, in 1991, featured new drummer Zé Verbalito.
In 1990, Les Négresses Vertes contributed the song "I love Paris" to the Cole Porter tribute album "Red Hot + Blue" produced by the Red Hot Organization.
Helno was by this time struggling with serious heroin addiction, and Stéfane Mellino and Canavese replaced him as the main songwriters. Helno died at his parents' house on January 22, 1993.
Several members left the band after Helno's death, but Les Négresses Vertes continued around the nucleus of Mellino, Canavese, Ochowiak and Paulus. In 1995 they released the album Zig-Zague, followed by the live album Green Bus. By 2000's Trabendo, the group's style had shifted to a dub oriented lounge style.
Discography
Albums
- Mlah (1988)
- Famille Nombreuse (1991)
- 10 Remixes (87-93) (1993) (compilation of remixes)
- An Aperitif (1994)
- Zig-Zague (1994)
- Green Bus (1996), live
- Trabendo (1999)
- Acoustic Clubbing (2001)
- Le Grand Déballage (2002) ('Best of' album)
- L'essentiel (2004) ('Best of' album)
- À l'Affiche (2006)
Singles
- Il (1989)
- Zobi La Mouche (1989)
- Voila L’ete (1989)
- "I Love Paris" (1990) (Tribute album "Red Hot + Blue" produced by the Red Hot Organization)
- Famille Heureuse (1992)
- Hou! Mamma Mia (1992)
- Sous Le soleil de bodega (1992)
- Apres La pluie (1994)
- Mambo Show (1994)
- A Quoi Bon (1995)
- Easy Girls (1999)
- Leila (1999)
- Hasta Llegar (2000) ('Promo' CD - was never released)
- Spank / Abuela (2000)
References
External links
- http://www.negressesvertes.com/
- http://www.lnv.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
- http://www.mellino.org
- Concert photos by Laurent Orseau (Black Session)
Categories:- French alternative rock groups
- Sire Records artists
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