Noël 2010 à Paris

Depuis plusieurs années j'ai pensé enregistrer un album de chansons de Noël, "Manda Djinn sings Christmas Cheer". En 2010 j'ai vraiment essayé. Le pianiste, David Herridge, et moi avons répété et enregistré pendant plusieurs mois. Hélas, on n'est pas arrivé à finir à temps. Ce CD  reste donc en haut de ma liste de mes résolutions pour 2011 et bien avant l'automne prochain.

Le météo n'était pas bonne le 22 décembre (prévision de neige abondante) et en plus il faisait un froid de canard mais on sait bien que le spectacle passe avant tout (the show must go on). Alors, nous étions là, au River Café, à Issy les Moulineaux : David Herridge au piano, Nicolas Rageau à la basse, Dano Haider à la guitare et moi, Manda Djinn. Le public était présent aussi, le restaurant presque complet pour cette soirée diner/spectacle annuelle que je propose depuis trois ans déjà.

Bernadette Martin, experte en branding, et Mindy,Cordon Bleu Chef, de La Table de Mindy sont arrivées à temps pour entendre "Have Yourself a Merry little Christmas", une des chansons de Noël préférées de Bernadette. Oh, la, la, les choses qu'on fait pour des amis...

For several years I've been threatening to record a Christmas album, "Manda Djinn sings Christmas Cheer",  and this year I really tried. With the help of pianist, David Herridge, I almost made it happen. However, almost never made a baby and the album was finally finished mid-December, I tried to get a Christmas album together but it didn't work out even though most of our spare time was spent in rehearsing or recording. Too late for marketing. So...heading up my New Year's resolutions is finalizing the album for Christmas 2011.

December 22nd the weather was bad in and around Paris. Colder than a witch's you know what and snow in the forecast. The show went on anyway with David Herridge, guitarist, Dano Haider and bassist, Nicolas Rageaud. It was my annual evening of Christmas songs for the third consecutive year at the River Café in Issy les Moulineaux:  Branding expert, Bernadette Martin, and Cordon Bleu Chef Mindy Horiuchi, of Mindy's Table attended in time to hear "Have Yourself a Merry little Christmas", learned especially for Bernadette. Oh the things we do for friends...                                                                                                                                                 

On the Seine

Ever long for dinner by candlelight with intermittent music, in intimate company with a view of the Seine? Le River Café peniche, with its spacious wood interior is the place you're longing for. In fact, I sang there last night. Every Wednesday, all year round, is jazz night, presenting jazz artists of grand caliber such as Michele Hendricks, daughter of famed singer, Bill Hendricks of Hendricks, Lambert & Ross fame. I usually sing Jazz there but last night's concert was a changeup from the norm. With bassist Nicolas Rageau and newcomer on the Paris scene, pianist Greg Lloyd, we alternately rocked the house and soothed the spirit with gospel, negro spirituals and inspirational songs. What's that? Songs like "I believe", "You'll never walk alone", "If I had a Hammer" etc. Get the picture? Or rather, the song? If you're a musician it's a tough nut to crack, after all, people are eating and speaking. But eventually they finish dessert and then they're all yours. Le River Café is situated on Quai Alexandre in Issy les Moulineaux. Check out their site for further info and check mine for our next performance there and elsewhere.