Swiss roll & French rock

Amarjot Kaur

Much of what one interprets of ‘global music’ identifies with the character of the city designed by a half-French-half-Swiss architect (also a poet and an artist), Le Corbusier; drawing special attention to the Francophonie celebrations by Alliance Francaise, Chandigarh. So, French rock trio Le Pied de la Pompe (comprising Gérome Briard, Erwann Cornec, & Fred Mariolle) and Swiss jazz duo (Beat Kaestli and Walter Fischbacher) light fire to their cigarettes, our imagination and gear up for a smokin’ performance! Quite ‘flattered’ by a lengthy photo-shoot, the Swiss struggle with the rising temperature of the city, while the French compare it to the summer days of their country — a conversation that stands interrupted by an interview that feeds on their infectiously creative spirit.

They will rock you

Though most accomplished musicians refute the idea of singing covers, Fred Mariolle, electric guitarist, informs that in France much of rock music was popularised by a man named J Hallyday, who started singing covers of popular American rock songs. “However, we seek inspiration from Arno and Dick Annegarn, who are from Belgium,” says Erwann Cornec, who plays bass guitar and a specially designed keyboard that can be played with his toes. “Oh! That also justifies the name of our band, which means to play with the feet or shoe,” he laughs. Gérome Briard, the singer and acoustic guitar player stresses on the importance of good lyrics and equally good music. He, by the way, plays drums with his feet! “Yes, we have a drum peddle that I play with my toes and I compose the music of my band too. So, most of my songs are inspired by common people, especially the ones who love travelling and the ones that fascinate me while I am travelling. My songs are about their stories, their problems, and their happiness,” explains Gérome, as he strums his guitar and croons a French tune for us, which talks of a beautiful woman who speaks good English.

(The band performed at Hotel Mountview on March 19 at 7 pm) 

Those jazzy men

Now that the city has its own jazz festival and regular jazz gigs at popular cafes, we are sure that Beat Kaestli Duo, with pianist Walter Fischbacher, will appeal to even those who have developed a fresh taste for the genre. Why? Well, hear it from these jazz cats. “We have a mix of everything. Right from the Swiss folk compositions to Mexican, to German and even American influences, but all those tunes on French lyrics,” says Beat, who, in 2005, was the chosen vocalist for the Glenn Miller Orchestra. With as many as four albums under his belt, including Reasons, Far from Home, Happy, Sad and satisfied, and Invitation, Beat has been associated with a major jazz label, Chesky Records. He has also backed artistes like Linda Hopkins, Barbara Tucker and Inaya Day. 

(The duo will perform on March 20 at Alliance Franciase at 7pm)

amarjot@tribunemail.com