Australia’s vivacious French-language chanteuse duo is proud to introduce their beautifully recorded self-titled début album (MGM Distribution). The album was recorded live at 301 studio in Alexandria and then at Brighton Boulevard studio by producer par excellence, Tony Buchen (Tim Finn, Blue King Brown, Washington) – and features an eclectic mix of classics and contemporary numbers written by some of the 20th century’s greatest French songwriters.
From romantic songs about strolling along the Champs Élysées and a much loved Cole Porter jazz standard, to tracks made famous by cultural icons Edith Piaf, Brigitte Bardot and Françoise Hardy – Baby et Lulu have collated here a passionate tour de force of French song.
There’s even an unexpected gift: a stunning French language rendition of the platinum-selling, “Even When I’m Sleeping”, originally sung by Abby herself in Leonardo’s Bride. On the album, our gorgeous pair of bon vivants is joined by an all-star band of Sydney’s finest musicians, including Matt Ottignon (flute, sax, clarinet), Julian Curwin (guitar), Marcello Maio (keys), Mark Harris (bass), and Hamish Stuart (drums). Lara herself plays violin, while Tony Buchen brings his passion for vintage equipment and recording techniques to give the album’s sound such true character – capturing and translating the aesthetics of the project perfectly.
Abby and Lara became fast friends after Lara saw Abby perform at Sydney’s Basement one evening, was completely enamored, and offered to release Abby’s music on her new female-focused music enterprise, Craving Records. They soon realised they shared a love of vocal harmony and a passion for the romance and music of France. Later, they happened to be holidaying in Paris at the same time. Once Lara had purchased a book of early 20th century French popular songs, and the pair met to discuss the music in a Parisian café over French cigarettes and chocolat – the rest soon became history!
Make sure you hear the romantic and enchanting beauty so well captured onstage by Baby et Lulu and on their debut album. Live in concert, the Baby et Lulu experience is joyous and celebratory, romantic and rollicking – full of passionate French music, rich harmonies and a stunning band of fine players. It’s a rendez-vous you don’t want to miss!
