Bonjour, Fraulein!: Les Sans Culottes, Ziaf, Nicki Jaine

Les Sans Culottes; Ziaf; Nicki Jaine
@ Galapagos Art Space
Brooklyn, NY - September 14, 2007

It's become old hat for LSC by now but they've added a cover of "My Sharona" to the repertoire. It was a bit disturbing to see them without one of their guitarists (anything less than the full 8 members is just not right, people!) but they still sounded fine. Even when they had tech problems (not their fault), they didn't break character. And even with the rather light and distant crowd, they didn't miss a beat.

A live slice:


Ziaf is sort of like Les Sans but focused on one major French pop figure: Edith Piaf. A bit grittier and at least 1/3 more authentically French than their counterparts, this trio covers a range of sound from go-go rock n roll to rockabilly but all under the umbrella of Piaf. Magnifique.


Nicki Jaine is a purveyor of German Cabaret music. Armed with a black guitar, black dress, and on occasion a musical saw (!), Miss Jaine - and her accompanying accordion player - did covers of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" as well as of tunes done by Marlene Dietrich. This was a real treat, that rare moment when something German proved to be gentle, warm, and sweet. Like a Bavarian chocolate cake. Or something.


Pics here.