Ah...Sweet Lorraine!

This song by Cliff Burwell and Mitchell Parish was the start of a musical and friendly encounter between Gwen Ollivier, pianist, and Ô de mon Chéri, singer. 

Backstage at a Swiss festival in 2015, Ô de mon Chéri froze when she heard the notes of "Sweet Lorraine” on a piano played with technical competence and incredible passion. Though with an innate sense of improvisation and always smiling mischievously, as Gwen played Ô de mon Chéri fell under his musical spell.

Later, Gwen too was captivated! Moved by her voice, by the grace and determination of which she exudes and the joy she transmits on stage, a spark was ignited! 

They decided to put together a band in Paris! 

 

The duo is joined by John Dufossé, a composer and an eclectic double bass player (Swing, Gypsy music, Balkan music, Reggae, Rhythm and Blues, Cumbia…). His reliability, his reassuring presence, his composure & his extensive musical knowledge cement the band.

 

During a tour on the French Riviera, the trio delights 

Elton John and the entire Beckham family.

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John brings the trio and Etienne Favier together.

Etienne is a Swing/Chanson Française/Blues guitarist-singer.

Devoting an unfailing passion to Django Reinhardt, he distills this influence into their Jazz/Swing & French repertoire.

Moreover, Etienne adds a second singing voice giving impetus to the other gentlemen of the pack to sing in harmony too.

 

Together they are invited to perform in Ghana

for the Beaujolais Nouveau!

 

Erik Maunoury, the inventive drummer, completes the team.

With his resonating snare drum, brushes and cymbals, he brings a dynamic and foot-tapping rhythm to the whole, as well as a whole gamut of artistic novelties and special flavors.

 

Sometimes as a duo, a trio, a quartet or as a quintet (and even sometimes as a sextet with a saxophone player), they pay tribute to the American Jazz/Swing and Rhythm & Blues and to the French Chanson from the 20s to the 50s.

Their French and American repertoire is definitely retro. However, the combo sometimes veers and revisits the most recent hits. Gwen's twirling hands also improvise some Cuban rhythms that draw the rest of the ensemble and invite the audience to dance.

 

This clever blend of talents, personalities and musical influences on stage creates a delightful and powerful energy full of emotions and elegance that Ô de mon Chéri orchestrates in a fireworks display of glamour.