French Fries & Champagne

Reviewed: 2017-12-16
Genre: Jazz
FCCs: none
Review: The Sardines celebrate old school Dixieland, "30s swing, and French cafe jazz. Terrific playing and interesting arrangements plus the lovely voice of the lead singer combine to create a magical evocation of yesteryear.
If You Like: Squirrel Nut Zippers, Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, Edith Piaf
Track Review (favorites denoted by *):
*1/ Running Wild (3:22) - piano starts. fast tempo song> horns trade off solos> clarinet solo> fast song> quick stop
2/ People Will say We're In Love (3:23) - trumpet starts> midtempo song> quick stop
*3/ When I Get Low I Get High (3:45) - horns start> uptempo song> horns swing out> clarinet solo> uptempo song> quick stop
*4/ Addicted To Love (3:22) - jazzy send-up of robert Palmer tune - drums start. midtempo sultry song swings uptempo> quick stop
5/ Sweet Pea (2:16) - vocal starts> midtempo song> fade
*6/ Comes Love (L'Amour S'en Fout)(5:05) - piano starts, uptempo solo slows into sultry song in French> clarinet solo> bowed bass solo> piano solo with a little ragtime thrown in> uptempo song> crescendo & fade
7/ Here You Are Again (3:32) - horns start> midtempo song> horns solo> midtempo song swells>
8/ Until The Real Thing Comes Along (4:44) - horns start> slow song> trumpet solo> slow song> quick fade
9/ French Fries & Champagne (2:57) - piano starts> midtempo song>muted horns solo> midtempo song> quick stop
*10/ La Fille Aux Cheveux Rous (Weed Smoker's Dream) (4:22) - drums start> midtempo song in French> clarinet solo> midtempo song> quick fade on vocal
11/ Gramercy Sunset (4:05) - piano/strings start> slow tempo instrumental> trombone solo> slow jam> fade