Samarabalouf’s acoustic show at the Arden Theatre last Friday night was nothing short of mesmerizing considering the upright bass was damaged in flight and their luggage never arrived.
The French trio was initially rattled. But they purchased a change of clothing at The Bay, and Myhre’s Music quickly repaired the bass’ broken bridge. When show time arrived, the threesome left their troubles in the green room, strolled onstage and exploded into a non-stop series of high-octane instrumental grooves.
Founder/composer Francois Petit bases everything on manouche music, or Gypsy jazz. It’s a Paris-based style of music or traveller jazz that blends traditional Roma’s (Gypsy), hodgepodge of cultural elements with American jazz and swing.
But trying to label Samarabalouf’s music is a self-defeating exercise. In their 10-year existence they have embraced and fused a wide swath of influences such as rockabilly, boogie-woogie, rumba flamenco, Cuban mambo and since their 2008 release Bababa — a dash of country.
They were on a North American tour to promote their 10th anniversary DVD, 10 ans de tournée. Unfortunately, that too did not arrive.
In addition to Petit on guitar, there was fellow guitarist Pierrot Margerin and bassist Luc Ambry. Together the threesome played a two-hour gig that was all over the map, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries. Their infectious beats, chugging rhythms, sweeping melodies and stretches of inventive improvisation conveyed a joie de vivre that simply reinvigorated the heart and spirit.
At times the music conveyed a gentle precision. But more often than not it whirled frantically with spritely dance numbers. Although only a triad, each musician played distinct lines that created a fuller sound worthy of a more lush orchestration.
As individuals Petit, Margerin and Ambry were technically brilliant and very tight. Yet depending on a tune’s needs, they also fluidly shape-shifted and improvised with a humorous spontaneity. Always the showman, Ambry even lifted his upright into the air with one hand while playing feverishly with the other.
There was little spoken word throughout the concert. In most cases one tune just wove into the next. Yet these masters of theatrics mimed extensively, making funny faces, gesticulating wildly and exaggerating body bends that sent ripples of laugher throughout the audience.
Ultimately they delivered a kaleidoscope that was at times rowdy, fun and out-of-this-world. Bring it on.
Review
Samarabalouf<br />Friday, April 9<br />Arden Theatre
