Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere

Subject: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Rockhen
Date: 17 Nov 12 - 07:11 PM

I have been asked to play some accordion and piano as background music to create a 'French cafe' type atmosphere, rather than them using CDs. I have some music already but thought it was worth asking if anyone can point me in the right direction for any particular music for this. It is for people who don't mind if it isn't completely authentic. It does not have to be strictly French, just that sort of 'feel'.
They just want to create a pleasant atmosphere and thought it would be nice to have live music rather than use CDs. I only have a few days to learn it so I would prefer it to be melody line with chords or not too technically involved as I need to be able to play it without too much practice. I will have accordion and piano at the event so suggestions for either would be great.
Please don't go to tremendous trouble over looking. I know how much time and effort some people put into research and I don't wish anyone to spend long. Thanks! :-)

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Bernard
Date: 17 Nov 12 - 07:49 PM

It's a lot easier just to make it up as you go along - and it also helps if you have a strong musette tuning on your accordion.

Something in a predominantly minor key with a few short chromatic runs, up and down octave jumps on the dominant (in A minor that would be E) and the occasional arpeggio - that would fool the troops!

Then there's 'Under the Bridges of Paris' and the theme from 'Maigret' which would probably be recognisable to a lot of people...

I wouldn't bother with the piano unless they really insist!

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: michaelr
Date: 17 Nov 12 - 07:52 PM

I think that if you're not already familiar with a given style of music, you should not try to "fake it". Inevitably there will be people who know the music you're trying to recreate, and you will be exposed and/or ridiculed.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: michaelr
Date: 17 Nov 12 - 08:17 PM

"It's a lot easier just to make it up as you go along" -- are you freaking serious??

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Will Fly
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 04:58 AM

Try the music of Charles Trenet, Dino Olivieri, Joseph Kosma and Jean Vaissade.

I'll give you some links to stuff I've done on YouTube - not to show off my stuff but so you can hear what I'm talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IZSkY6XE6g&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI5gvUQZK-0&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcSCRi431Pg&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2gHIhK-_r0&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elEvsGTpfDA&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tseJ4e2HcSw&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJiq3GLgqiU&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxX2Ql8NsjI&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0jtmi42iKw&feature=plcp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rr59ym4bsM&feature=plcp

And if you need music for any of this stuff, I can supply music lead and chords.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,loki
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 07:15 AM

Robin's Waltz (I think by Jon Swayne of Blowzabella, could be wrong)Great tune, sounds incredibly French.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Steve Gardham
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 11:19 AM

La Mer
Any of those simple waltzes like La Varsovienne. There are loads of them and dead easy to play.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Will Fly
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 11:49 AM

"La Mer" actually changes key about 3 times... but it's a great tune. :-)

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Jack Campin
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 01:28 PM

That stuff is quite technical - simple folk tunes mixed in a blender with complicated jazz harmony. There are quite a few books of accordion arrangements available, but no way will you learn it in a few days.

Some names to look for: Charles Peguri, Gus Viseur, Emile Vacher, Andre Verchuren.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Stringsinger
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 01:52 PM

Make sure your accordion is out of tune. The reeds should wobble.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 18 Nov 12 - 08:21 PM

La Vie en Rose.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Rockhen
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 08:17 PM

Brilliant! I am rapidly gathering two sets of tunes from the above and others that people have sent...One set with easy chords that I can learn by Saturday evening, on the accordion and the rest with more tricky chords to play on the piano! I am really enjoying trying them. Thank you so much! Now I just have to find something to wear...horizontal stripes are really not my thing and as for wearing a beret, I just look daft, oh dear! :-( !
Thanks again! :-)

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 08:44 PM

Wear simple black clothes and some sophisticated costume jewelry. If you don't have any, visit a thrift store. Make sure that any necklace you choose doesn't scratch your accordion.

When you play accordion, people look at your hands a lot. Make sure your nails look nice and wear at least one ring. It lifts your heart to glance down at your own fingers and see a pretty ring gleaming upon them.

Do you wear make-up? Even if you don't, at least wear some lipstick. To many people, lipstick makes a woman real. I've never been comfortable with make-up, but I felt better about it when an expert said that the color of your make-up should be just a bit more intense than your own, natural colors. That made sense to me.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Jack Campin
Date: 20 Nov 12 - 09:35 PM

A quick google image search on "femme accordeon" reveals that most French woman accordionists wear less make-up than usual and rather muted, unassertive clothes. But if the American stereotype is low-cut polka-dot dresses and lurid lipstick I guess you have to go along with it.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 21 Nov 12 - 12:10 AM

Thanks for the phrase "femme accordeon". I googled it and got 17 images of women playing accordions.

7 in black
2 in red
2 in pink
1 in green
1 in white

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 21 Nov 12 - 02:41 PM

Let us know what tunes you're playing and how it worked out...it will be gratifying to those who have suggested things, and useful for those who wish to do something like this in the future.

For my part, I suggest "Autumn Leaves", "Theme from 'Moulin Rouge'",and something sprite-like and uptempo, such as Charles Trenet's "Boum" or even the Can-Can from Offenbach's "Gaite Parisienne"--If you are playing for actual French persons, American Jazz standards, such as Louis Armstrong might play, would be appreciated, and, as you are playing the piano and know something from Debussy or Satie, it would fit, as well.

If you know Maurice Chevalier's "Valentine" that would be an excellent uptempo number...

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Rockhen
Date: 21 Nov 12 - 07:11 PM

Thank you all again! I will have a wardrobe trying on session and see which I cringe at least :-D I have a piece from Amelie and Moulin Rouge and I think I have another one from Chocolat as well as quite a lot of tunes. Thank you to Will, particularly, for the wonderful tunes you emailed. It will be nice to have a collection of French themed music. The evening is a fundraising event and is not for French visitors. It is very informal and those attending are looking for a pleasant evening with music that is easy on the ear and not necessarily authentic but it is good to have some that will be. I will do my best and let you know how it goes. Thank you all :-)

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 12:26 AM

Best wishes for a happy evening, Rockhen.

Will, you are a treasure.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Will Fly
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 05:25 AM

C'est un plaisir a vous aider. Bonne soirée!

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: fat B****rd
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 07:04 AM

Plenty of help from here as usuaul, Rockhen.
I hope you have un tres bon soir.
From three times removed French Charlie.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: C Stuart Cook
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 07:56 AM

Try "Music from The Backgammon Club". Background music from A Chef program in ITV

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,mayomickk
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 09:39 AM

I thought it was great that the organizers should ask a live musician to create a 'French cafe' type atmosphere . I've been trying to find a link to that song about Mimi and the Rue de la Paix.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 10:39 AM

Bit late in this thread - sorry.

My mother ran a French restaurant in Kensington in the 50s-60s, with piano & accordion & live singers. The customers most liked hearing sort of folkie well-known songs -

Aupres de Ma Blonde
Chevaliers de la Table Ronde
Jeanneton Prend sa Fourcille
L'Alouette
Savez-Vous Planter Les Choux?

Some pop standards by the likes of Trenet

La Mer
Boum
Valentine
Je Cherches Fortune Autour du Chat Noir

......

~M~

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 11:00 AM

... and even the really familiar songs

Au Clair de la Lune
Frere Jacques
Le Pont d'Avignon
&c &c &c

went down well, interspersed with others suggested above.

~M~

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,John Foxen
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 12:28 PM

An album worth listening to is Renaud's Au Petit Bal Du Samedi Soir, with very fine musette accordion playing. There are clips on the web.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Monique
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 02:17 PM

Here you can choose among a big lot of French songs from 1868 to 1969. There are 6 parts: 1868-1919; 1920-1929; 1930-1939; 1940-1949; 1950- 1959; 1960-1969.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Don Firth
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 02:22 PM

Michel Legrand. "The Windmills of Your Mind," "I Will Wait for You," lots of good stuff. Check him out on YouTube.

Some Jacque Brel, maybe? I'm not sure how some of his music might go on the accordion, though, but you can be the judge of that.

Bon appetite!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Monique
Date: 22 Nov 12 - 02:43 PM

La java bleue (my favorite waltz, ever!)
L'amant de St Jean
C'est un mauvais garçon
Le petit vin blanc
Y'a d'la joie

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Rockhen
Date: 25 Nov 12 - 06:56 PM

Thank you all! The evening went very well and I am slowly working through the suggestions above to add them to a new file of 'French' flavoured music that is growing slowly. It is lovely to have so many different songs and tunes suggested. Mudcat at its best!
I played accordion for a while at the start then alternated with piano while they served the meal.
I even managed a very stereotypical (apologies to France and the French) outfit by borrowing stripey jumper and black beret to add to things I had already. It was a great evening and the organisers seemed really happy with the music I did and I had a lot of nice comments and interested people asking about various aspects of playing live. Great to be able to have live music rather than just playing a few CDs. AND no one offered me money to STOP playing my accordion when I sauntered around the tables every now and then so it can't have been too intrusive. Accordion CAN be subtle :-)
Great fun! Thank you all! Helen x

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 25 Nov 12 - 10:29 PM

I'm glad it went well. You certainly did your homework!

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Don Firth
Date: 26 Nov 12 - 12:21 AM

Excellent!

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,Big Al Whittle
Date: 26 Nov 12 - 04:45 AM

Helen - rather than Edith Piaf in black - I see you more as Brigitte Bardot - sex kitten on the keys sort of thing...

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Rockhen
Date: 26 Nov 12 - 02:11 PM

Trust you, Al! I don't know about sex kitten...I looked a proper pilchard in a beret...hats and I don't mix well. Really appreciate the helpful suggestions and enjoyed learning some new tunes. Thanks all! :-)

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,"The Red Windmiller"
Date: 26 Nov 12 - 02:32 PM

An earluier poster suggested The Moulin Rouge theme.
That song ALWAYS puts my head space in a French cafe.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 26 Nov 12 - 11:39 PM

Rockhen, thank you for reporting back on how it went. I'm happy to hear that it went so well.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Rockhen
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 06:34 AM

Thank you :-)I will probably avoid wearing a beret in future after seeing my photo but apart from that I would definitely do a similar night again! :-)

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Will Fly
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 07:22 AM

Pics please, Helen! I want to see the pilchard (I like pilchards). :-)

I also like berets. Ever since my next door neighbour saw me wearing one in the local pub, on a bad hair day, I've been "Renée" to him ever since, and my dear wife has become "Madame Edith"...

I've threatened him with her singing, but it's made no difference.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Rockhen
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 08:25 AM

Beret-wearing is not my forte nor my piano, unfortunately. OK Will, I DO look a proper wally! I hate having my photo taken AND don't like wearing hats...the two together is not good! :-)

How to look a proper wally in one easy step :-)

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: maeve
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 08:40 AM

I think your perception of you in a beret is the issue; I think you look charming!

Maeve

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Will Fly
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 09:07 AM

Excellent pic, Helen - many thanks!

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 27 Nov 12 - 04:44 PM

I love your picture! I also love berets! We are having some big wet snowflakes here in RI, and I've seen two other people wearing them today. Of course I wore mine, too.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 28 Nov 12 - 12:19 PM

This is straight from the shoulder, Rockhen, from one fashionista to another. Next time go with deep chocolate brown top, the jewelry and the ring.

Not that the costume isn't fetching, but it does look like a costume.

I must say, if you could work up a French repertoire in a few days, then you are a very good musician. You are to be thanked for your efforts on behalf of a charity.

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 28 Nov 12 - 05:35 PM

As a costume (realizing that this was intended to be faux-French, or shall we say, French-esque), it was perfect!

~ Becky in Long Beach

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Rockhen
Date: 01 Dec 12 - 10:25 AM

Thanks, Leeneia and Desert Dancer, you are both right!...it was a quick borrowing type of outfit, not meant to be offensive to anyone and just for fun. I don't have a lot of spare cash for clothes so I thought it was more feasible to borrow and make do with what I have and go for a 'costume' rather than a more classy look! It was great to hear ideas though, thank you. I did get paid for the event, so I have to admit I was not just doing it for love of music and to help out, this time, although I often do charity events. Re working up a French repetoire quickly, I made sure I only played the tunes I could manage to learn quickly on the accordion and used piano for the more involved ones! I am a pianist first and accordion is very much a secondary instrument skill-wise! I had several lovely comments about the music and just received another email about it and asking for more information about the other music I do, which was a good sign. I was really pleased with the end result, so thanks for all the help, everyone! :-)

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 01 Dec 12 - 05:33 PM

We're still eager to see a set list, if you'd care to share;-)

Subject: RE: Music creating 'French cafe' atmosphere
From: Rockhen
Date: 01 Dec 12 - 07:16 PM

I will try to list what I did when I am more awake. I did make up a few tunes, I have to admit. Mainly when I was wandering around the tables and forgot what I intended playing next! :-)