Les Négresses Vertes

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Paris, France (1987 – 2001)

Les Négresses Vertes, formed in 1987 arose from the alternative music scene in Paris, France, are a French music group who are best described as a fusion of world music and some aspects of alternative rock. Their particular musical influences were Algerian raï, Mediterranean and South American music and French café music.

Their tracks often feature acoustic guitar and accordion, as well as some tracks containing many other ‘traditional’ instruments such as piano and brass. Their style is fairly upbeat and energetic on the majority of their tracks, with unusual rhythms, vocals delivered with a generous dose of zeal and vibrant energy, and accompaniment melodies ranging from lilting and distant to eccentric and fast-paced. These two factors give many of their pieces a strong sense of direction.

Les Négresses Vertes arose from the alternative music scene in Paris. The original line-up included singer Helno (born Noël Rota in Paris, December 25, 1963 - January 22, 1993, also known as Helno Rota de Lourcqua), Jo Roz (also known as l’Ami Ro; real name Joe Ruffier des Aimes) (piano), Stéfane Mellino (guitar), Jean-Marie Paulus (bass), Gaby (drums), Matthias Canavese (accordion), Michel Ochowiak (trumpet), Abraham Sirinix (also known as Abraham Braham) (trombone) and Iza Mellino (backing vocals).

The original members were a group of friends, many of whom had not played their instruments before forming the band. The group’s name translates as “green black women”; it arose from abuse hurled at them at one of their first concerts.

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  • moka17

    I have seen the band live in Vienna in June 1992, can someone remember the exact date and place ?

    10 Jan 9:24pm Reply
  • Darya01

    Excellent

    6 Feb 2012 Reply
  • tolovaj

    Love them!

    23 Dec 2011 Reply
  • Lysmar

    AMO

    8 Sep 2011 Reply
  • Airhead

    acoustic clubbing is one of the best albums i've ever heard. the acoustic versions there are way better than the originals :)

    13 Jan 2011 Reply
  • Ceciia

    Have rediscovered my '10 remixes' CD, ahhh!

    19 Dec 2010 Reply
  • Txyafalowne

    Face a la mer

    11 Oct 2010 Reply
  • patricknas

    Magnifique!

    14 Apr 2010 Reply
  • macijikralj

    ...and girls :)

    18 Mar 2010 Reply
  • SunHelper

    .....and I am still in love with you...Les Negresses..yessss...xoo ..................ah, my boys :)

    5 Feb 2010 Reply
  • wovenhorse

    ce pays --- a song I fell in love with.

    6 Dec 2009 Reply
  • von7up

    Cela fait déjà longtemps que Helno est parti, mais la chaleur de ce groupe ne meurt pas.

    24 Sep 2009 Reply
  • shaantigraphics

    The 'Mlah' album has great memories attached to it for me! Awesome band...still miss Helno. Agree with you there man-called-adam

    24 Sep 2009 Reply
  • man-called-adam

    William orbit's remix of "Zobi la mouche" (1989) is just music heaven. Mixing the original Accordion with electronics. So ahead of its time. Lounge/chill was still in its infancy (Belearic then), Les Négresses Vertes helped start the new wave. IMO

    8 Sep 2009 Reply
  • filpaz

    post with a song by Les Negresses on the music blog Orangeskies http://orangeskies.wordpress.com Check it out!

    26 Jul 2009 Reply
  • Jasonastronaut

    Anyone know where I can get hold of copies of their songbook LE GRAND DEBALLAGE?

    23 Jun 2009 Reply
  • huskerhead

    My mom showed me the "Mlah" album a while ago, awesome record.

    25 Apr 2009 Reply
  • erduprince

    les négresses vertes and mano negra were great...absolutely great...together with three mustapha three they managed to match humor with energy, a very contagious mix that empowers people and makes them smile at the same time...i love them

    8 Apr 2009 Reply
  • Eleima

    "Les morts *reposent* au cimetière", non? (Ca serait un peu bizarre que des morts puissent "répondre", et donc parler. Yeah, it would be kinda weird if the dead could speak and answer back!) Love this song though: "Dans la chaleur, le silence, à l’heure où les cyprès se balancent, les morts reposent au cimetière, sous le sable, face à la mer." So poetic!

    5 Apr 2009 Reply
  • roger4

    les morts repondent aux cimetiéres...

    31 Mar 2009 Reply
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