8½ Souvenirs - Souvonica

Styles: Retro Swing, Alternative Country-Rock
Year: 1997
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 35:11
Size: 80,7 MB
Art: Front

(2:55)  1. Off White
(3:31)  2. Cognac
(2:45)  3. Souvonica
(3:32)  4. Tango Lunatico
(3:06)  5. Paris
(2:54)  6. Absentee Rag
(4:00)  7. Pass' Temps
(2:47)  8. Chez Yvette
(3:23)  9. Amarcord
(2:39) 10. Shut the Door
(3:32) 11. Serpent Charmer

Although based in Austin, Texas, the retro-swing outfit 8½ Souvenirs drew much of their inspiration from European artists like Django Reinhardt, Serge Gainsbourg and Nino Rota; led by French expatriate singer/guitarist Olivier Giraud, the group was formed in 1988, and originally also comprised bassist Todd Wulfmeyer and drummer Adam Berlin. Classically trained pianist Glover Gill was the next to join; with the arrival of vocalist Juliana Sheffield, 8½ Souvenirs’ lineup was complete, and in 1995 they recorded their debut LP Happy Feet. Sauvonica, recorded with new vocalist Chrysta Bell, followed in 1998, and a year later the group returned with Twisted Desire. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide  http://www.last.fm/music/8%C2%BD+Souvenirs/+wiki

Souvonica

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8½ Souvenirs - Twisted Desire

Styles: Retro Swing, Alternative Country-Rock
Year: 1999
File: MP3@320K/s
Time: 43:46
Size: 100,2 MB
Art: Front

(3:35)  1. Sharp Dressed Man
(4:56)  2. L'amour toujours
(4:15)  3. Twisted Desire
(3:44)  4. Eva Luna
(4:13)  5. Dancin'
(3:07)  6. Lonely in Love
(3:02)  7. Life Style
(4:04)  8. My Baby
(3:31)  9. The Rhythm Is Magic
(3:44) 10. Under Your Skin
(2:04) 11. Spider Lady
(3:25) 12. Yes, Yes, Yes

Since it begins with a seemingly ironic reading of ZZ Top's "Sharp Dressed Man," it would be easy to dismiss 8 1/2 Souvenirs' third album Twisted Desire as another tongue-in-cheek Gen-X retro-swing folly. That may be the knee-jerk reaction, but it's an unfair one, because the rest of the album reveals that the band is far more sophisticated, suave, and seductive than most of their peers. No small credit goes to Chrysta Bell, the lead singer whose rich voice brings style and grace to every song, even that misdirected cover that begins the album. Then again, songwriter Olivier Giraud shares equal credit with Bell for being able to write clever, engaging songs, and the entire band shows good taste in picking outside material, such as Walter Hyatt's "Lonely in Love," as well. The end result is a surprisingly enjoyable record that shouldn't be lumped in with the smarmy schtick that usually passes for retro-swing. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine   http://www.allmusic.com/album/twisted-desire-mw0000244312

Twisted Desire

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8½ Souvenirs - Happy Feet

Styles: Retro Swing, Alternative Country-Rock
Released: 1995
Label: RCA
File: mp3 @320K/s
Size: 122.4 MB
Time: 47:41
Art: full

1. Happy Feet - 2:55
2. Kazango - 3:41
3. No Lo Visto - 3:45
4. It's All Right With Me - 3:49
5. Minor Swing - 2:59
6. Le Poinconneur Des Lilas - 2:54
7. Black Trombone - 4:56
8. Place de Brouckere - 3:11
9. After You've Gone - 3:52
10. Come Di - 4:47
11. Blues En Mineur - 5:08
12. Botch-A-Me (Ba-Da-Baciani-Piccina) - 2:25
13. Brazil - 4:27
14. Y La Chalupa Va - 2:10

Notes: 8½ Souvenirs was an American swing jazz band active from approximately 1993 to 2000 and based in Austin, Texas. The band was signed to the RCA Victor label and had two releases under that label, as well as two other releases under Austin, Texas indie labels.
The band was named in tribute to the Federico Fellini film 8½ and the Django Reinhardt song "Souvenirs." The band was instrumental in that city's 1990s Swing Revival dance scene centered at the Continental Club. The band was notable for its Django Reinhardt, gypsy jazz and other European influences.
The band met with limited commercial success although it was featured on Austin City Limits broadcast in April, 1998.
They have four releases
Happy Feet (1995 - RCA Victor)
Souvonica (1997 - Continental Club music )
Twisted Desire (1999 - RCA Victor)
Live Memories (2000 - Giraudo Records)
The band lineup evolved over the years. During different periods, the personnel included:
Olivier Giraud (guitar, vocals) The founder and key member of the Souvenirs. Now a member of the band Paris 49.
Tony Balbineau (vocals, rhythm guitar)
Todd Wulfmeyer (bass)
Kathy Kiser (vocals)
Glover Gill (piano)
Adam Berlin (drums)
Juliana Sheffield (vocals)
Kevin Smith (bass)
Justin Sherburn (piano)
Rob Kidd (drums)
Chrysta Bell (vocals)

Happy Feet

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