Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra – ‘Mon Amour’
Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra – Mon Amour
Calling all lovers of jive and swing – Benoit and his orchestra have returned with a brand new album for us to tap our toes and shuffle our shoes too! In 2009, Benoit Viellefon formed his orchestra and became an instant hit on the London cabaret and vintage scene. Five years and over 600 concerts later, we’re delighted to welcome the whole band into our living rooms with their latest album, “Mon Amour”.
The album is a compilation of songs written by some of jazz’s most accomplished composers (Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin, Jimmy Van Heusen, Arthur Johnston and alike), a few lesser known gems and fresh new songs written by Benoit himself. The band’s sound resembles that of a top-notch swing band from the 1930’s with joyful, heavy swinging horns, a tight, in-the-pocket rhythm section and strong European influences. Benoit’s delivery of the lyrics and melody can be both humorous and sensitive – listen to 10 seconds of “Ferme La Bouche” and you’re bound to crack a smile. Let’s not forget that Benoit can’t only accredited as a singer; he flaunts his abilities as a rhythm guitarist with style and flare on this album, too. He is joined by another marvellous singer, Gabrielle Ducomble, who debus with the band on this album. She boasts a clear, strong voice, reminiscent of the best original cabaret singers.
The music isn’t the only thing that’s classy about this album – the band look the part, too, and the cover and crediting booklet are laden with beautiful vintage-esque photos that reflect the fun that the band must have had when recording this swingin’ album at London’s Porcupine Studios in January 2014. This small family run studio has been cutting high quality records since the early 1960’s and has been a second home to many generations of British jazz artists.
If you’re looking for an album to get you up on your feet, look no further than Benoit Viellefon & His Orchestra’s “Mon Amour”. Visit their website to get your copy!