A mother and son duo are bringing the iconic sounds of American jazz to life in Paris, rekindling a love affair between the city's music scene and African-American artists that has endured for decades. Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald are synonymous with the golden era of jazz, their names conjuring up images of a bygone age where racial segregation forced talented musicians to seek refuge abroad.
France has long been a haven for black American artists, drawn by the country's deep affection for jazz and its rich cultural heritage. Following World War I, French audiences began to embrace the music, recognizing its unique power to bring people together across borders and ideologies. Today, this love affair continues unabated, with many of these legendary performers remaining etched in the city's collective memory.
The latest iteration of this musical legacy is provided by a talented duo - mother and son Erin Ogunkeye and Amanda Alexander. The pair have been performing American jazz classics for years, drawing in crowds with their infectious energy and deep understanding of the genre. Their love of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald is palpable, as they seamlessly weave these timeless songs into their set list.
Erin Ogunkeye's voice, a rich, soulful instrument, can transport listeners to a different era, one where music was a powerful force for social change. Her delivery is nuanced and expressive, conjuring up the emotions of her predecessors with uncanny accuracy. Meanwhile, Amanda Alexander provides a perfect foil as accompanist, adding depth and complexity to the performances.
The duo's set list includes timeless classics such as 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' and 'Don't Explain', showcasing their mastery of this genre. Their music is not just about recreation but also reinterpretation - pushing the boundaries of these iconic songs to create something new while still honoring the legacy of the artists they cover.
Their passion for jazz is evident in every note, as if they're on a mission to keep these legendary voices alive and thriving in an era where musical diversity is increasingly celebrated. Through their performances, Erin Ogunkeye and Amanda Alexander are not only paying tribute to the past but also ensuring that future generations of music lovers will continue to be inspired by the timeless sounds of American jazz.
France has long been a haven for black American artists, drawn by the country's deep affection for jazz and its rich cultural heritage. Following World War I, French audiences began to embrace the music, recognizing its unique power to bring people together across borders and ideologies. Today, this love affair continues unabated, with many of these legendary performers remaining etched in the city's collective memory.
The latest iteration of this musical legacy is provided by a talented duo - mother and son Erin Ogunkeye and Amanda Alexander. The pair have been performing American jazz classics for years, drawing in crowds with their infectious energy and deep understanding of the genre. Their love of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald is palpable, as they seamlessly weave these timeless songs into their set list.
Erin Ogunkeye's voice, a rich, soulful instrument, can transport listeners to a different era, one where music was a powerful force for social change. Her delivery is nuanced and expressive, conjuring up the emotions of her predecessors with uncanny accuracy. Meanwhile, Amanda Alexander provides a perfect foil as accompanist, adding depth and complexity to the performances.
The duo's set list includes timeless classics such as 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' and 'Don't Explain', showcasing their mastery of this genre. Their music is not just about recreation but also reinterpretation - pushing the boundaries of these iconic songs to create something new while still honoring the legacy of the artists they cover.
Their passion for jazz is evident in every note, as if they're on a mission to keep these legendary voices alive and thriving in an era where musical diversity is increasingly celebrated. Through their performances, Erin Ogunkeye and Amanda Alexander are not only paying tribute to the past but also ensuring that future generations of music lovers will continue to be inspired by the timeless sounds of American jazz.
. I mean, what's next? A tribute act to Sinatra in Monaco? 
It's just more of the same tired old jazz that's been done to death. The fact that a mom and son duo are getting all the attention just makes me think they're trying too hard to be cute and relevant 
. And don't even get me started on how overplayed "My Baby Just Cares for Me" is. Can't these performers come up with something new, or at least put their own spin on it? 
... think about it, they're bringing back the golden era of jazz in Paris, where black American artists have always found a home, but what if there's more to it than just coincidence? I mean, these iconic songs like 'My Baby Just Cares for Me' and 'Don't Explain' are being reinterpreted, but is that really just about honoring the legacy of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald or is it something more? Maybe they're trying to send a message about how music can bring people together across borders and ideologies... you never know 
! It's like, their love for Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald is totally infectious, you know? 
They're not just covering these iconic songs, they're also bringing a fresh vibe to them, making it sound brand new again 
. I'm all about that jazz life, and I can already imagine the energy of their performances – it's gonna be lit 
. Kudos to Erin Ogunkeye and Amanda Alexander for keeping these legendary voices alive 
, and I'm sure their fans will be totally blown away by their talent 
!
I just saw this thread about a new jazz duo in Paris performing classic American jazz songs... like, whoa! It's amazing how these legendary voices are still alive and kicking 
. It's like they're breathing new life into these timeless classics. Anyway, it was really cool seeing all this jazz nostalgia come full circle... too bad the thread got dead by now lol 
. I mean, who doesn't love a soulful voice that can transport you to another era? 
Erin's got some serious pipes on her, and she's doing justice to those legendary ladies like Nina Simone and Billie Holiday... kind of makes me want to dig out my old records and have a jazz party 
. The fact that they're not just rehashing the classics but also putting their own spin on it is what really gets me excited 
. I guess you could say they're keeping the legacy alive, one smooth saxophone solo at a time 
.
. Amanda Alexander's playing is so sick too - she's like a perfect partner in crime for Erin 
. The fact that these talented musicians are carrying on the legacy of African-American artists in France is really something special. It makes you wonder if we're seeing a similar kind of cultural exchange between nations in other areas too? Like, what's happening with music education in schools around the world? Is it getting better or worse?