Ten musicians and singers, three singers and choristers, The Grand Orchester du Splendid, born in 1977, marked the years 1980 with titles such as Demon Salsa, Macao or Radio Pirate. It’s a great pleasure to find them on stage with their flagship titles, others less known, and covers of groups such as that of Ray Ventura or Duke Ellington.
This very years directory 1930-40, then renewed since the years 1980 with original titles, can be found on stage at the Café de la Gare, in Paris, until 9 December 2024, then on tour throughout France.
They came, they are all there, with a visible, palpable pleasure of playing together on stage, and of meeting the audience again. It must be said that the troupe knows how to communicate with him, not struggling to draw him into a swing energy and make him sing “yes, yes, it’s me Vampirela…” of Demon Salsa and other words that remain in our memories.
However, the atmosphere is not one of nostalgia, everyone is there to recharge their batteries with music at the crossroads of jazz and variety that is delicious. On stage, the atmosphere is festive, and the visual is part of it, with its ten musicians dressed in white and three singers, in turn in trio, duo or individuals, wearing different dresses almost for each song. Hats off to costume designer Françoise Thibault in this regard.
To paraphrase Boris Vian’s song, “we’re not here to get yelled at“, we came there to see The Grand Orchestra of the Splendid. Having disappeared from the radar for too long, the founders are present and the singers, including two new artists, give the best of themselves.
Also, it is always impressive to see such an extensive line-up on stage, particularly in the gleaming brass, stage movements and wild choreographies, without ever taking themselves seriously, while demonstrating musical accomplishment. There aren’t that many big bands in France, and the return of the Grand Orchester du Splendid is a pleasure to see and hear. An enchanted reunion. Bis !
The Splendid Grand Orchestra
“Everything is fine !”
From 11 November to 9 December 2024, Mondays at 7:30 p.m.
Cafe de la Gare
41 rue du Temple, 75004 Paris
Tel : 01 42 78 52 51
