They sound too satisfied and confident in their fusions here. The sharp edge of surprise I detect in their earlier work is absent here. This work is lighter, popper, loungier than earlier work, to its detriment. Still, the cool fusion continues-Hot club, boulevard, bossa nova, American swing.... Close listening reveals shifts from one style to another in almost every song, so they're still mixing it up. Maybe the edges are easier to see. Stand-outs: tr 7-Baguée (Big American driving beat subverted by quick trip-tongued French vocal, Gypsy finger-picked guitar). Très cool. tr 9- Reflet (Quick 30s Gypsy-viper instrumental). tr 14- Je ne sais qui fumer (Simple American blues with a cool, Parisian jaunt, swagger). [50:30]

Paris Combo's latest album is a tour of another world, a forgotten era, when music moved your heart but was classy and seductive at the same time.

There is no one today producing a sound like this. Their music will stay with you; it is mesmerising.

Paris Combo, headed by the enchanting vocalist Belle Du Barry and Django Reinhardt lookalike/soundalike Potzi, brings to life an intoxicating, retro blend of swing, Gypsy jazz, and cabaret music that feels like it could belong in a smoky, sultry Art Nouveau Parisian café. At times, there are touches of Latin guitar and swanky, bright trumpet solos.

"Motifs" is Paris Combo's most recent offering, chock full of a blend of styles: Gypsy jazz to make Django proud on "Reflet," cabaret croonings on "Hi, low, in," "Je ne sais qui fumer," "Aquarium," "Motus," "Baron de Chaise," "Calendar," and "Touriste d'une vie," Jane Birkin-like dreamy bossa nova on "Etoile pâle" and "Discordance," and jittery, uptempo explorations on "Ennemis siamois" and "Baguée."

Fans of classic Edith Piaf, Django Reinhardt and the Hot Club, and classic Parisian café music will do well to pick up the elegant, sensual jazz of "Motifs." Put this on and be instantly transported to a terrace café on the Champs-Elysées sipping a strong espresso and watching the world go by.

I had this CD on my wishlist since its release. I really enjoyed Paris Combo even before, but never liked their CDs 100%. Until this one. I love every song on this disc. Why do I even try to write about music? Listen to the sample tracks, and buy Motifs.

This group is very consistent. This CD is as good as their others. I can't wait to see them in concert in San Francisco in October!

This is an incredibly professional album : ALL tracks are harmonious , singable. Belle du Berry, the main vocalist is a true master of the new bossa nova . Her mellow, beautiful voice expresses the soft sensuality of this typically brazilian musical form , with a touch of gallic humor in the french lyrics.
She is backed by talented musicians, who know all about the "right chords".
The album also contains tracks strangely reminiscent of klezmer music,and of the Stephane Grappelli style of violin playing.
In today's soft music scene,Belle du Berry is only matched
by Celso Fonseca(who sings bossa nova in portuguese and english).
Both are true HEIRS to the old masters of that genre: Tom Jobim,Joao Gilberto, Vinicius de Moraes and Toquinho.
This is an all-round BRILLIANT CD, and a testimony to french musicality and good taste.

Motifs by Paris Combo is one of those comparatively rare CDs you CAN truly relax with--just pop it in and pour yourself a nice glass of wine--and ENJOY! These French songs are creative, soothing (even when discussing sad times, a real feat) and just plain great to listen to. This group of band members from several different countries works hard and they won't fail you with this release.

Another tip: If you like groups like Pink Martini, then you'll REALLY like this album! Their work is every bit as elegant-and just like Pink Martini, and the group is made up of persons from all over the world. This careful arrangement of members and the thoughtful songs they give us make for a particularly pleasing experience.

Now for the songs: It's hard to say definitively which song is my favorite; they all are very well done. One thing is clear, however, the last track, entitled "Je Ne Sais Qui Fumer," is superb! The melody and vocals are just right. Another reviewer put it well when they wrote that the music "(is) jazzy, swing-y, loungy, a little bit Edith Piaf-y." Anything "Edith-Piaf-y can't go wrong! The songs "Discordance" and "Etoile Pâle" were also particularly special in my opinion. Another point: The songs reflect a fanciful and sophisticated image as well.

Even if you don't know French you will notice the elegance and the thoughtfulness of this group on this CD. The sounds of the French language coupled with the carefully arranged music provide the listener with a great experience. You will pick up on the elegance of the CD song tracks and you won't regret adding this CD to your collection!

Paris Combo is fantastic. Having just seen them live last night in Chicago, they are every bit as good in the flesh. They are witty and urbane, but unpretentious at the same time. Most importantly the music is fantastic. I don't think I've ever heard a bad song from them. How many groups can you say that about?

I know I should say something specific about the music, but I really don't know how to categorize it. It's jazzy, swing-y, loungy, a little bit Edith Piaf-y. Decide for yourself.

They had people dancing in the aisles. If Paris Combo does not find great success in the music world, it will be a shame.

A website that has a story about this album categorize it as "World" music. It truly is. A dash of many genres are mixed into this album. If you want to try something non mainstream, I believe this is the one that you should try.