Les Négresses Vertes
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Les Négresses Vertes ("The Green Negresses") is a French band established in 1987, known for merging world music with aspects of alternative rock. Their sound frequently incorporates acoustic guitar and accordion, complemented by conventional instruments such as piano and brass.
History
Emerging from Paris's alternative music milieu, the founding members comprised vocalist Helno (Noël Rota), pianist Jo Roz (Joe Ruffier des Aimes), guitarist Stéfane Mellino, bassist Jean-Marie Paulus, drummer Gaby, accordion player Matthias Canavese, trumpeter Michel Ochowiak, trombonist Abraham Sirinix, and backing singer Iza Mellino.
Most of the group were novices with their instruments and shared a friendship prior to forming the band. The name originated from an insult linked to Vladimir Tretchikoff's kitschy artwork, symbolizing the difficulties they faced early on. Initially signed with the indie label Off the Track, they released the punk-inspired protest single "200 Ans D'Hypocrisie" coinciding with the bicentennial of the French Revolution.
Their first album, Mlah (1989), garnered acclaim in both France and the UK; its single "Zobi La Mouche" came close to entering the UK charts. The band embarked on extensive tours, including performances at WOMAD festivals and a contentious tour in Lebanon. The 1991 album Famille Nombreuse saw the addition of drummer Zé Verbalito.
In 1990, they contributed "I Love Paris" to the Cole Porter tribute compilation Red Hot + Blue, produced by the Red Hot Organization. During this era, Helno battled heroin addiction, which impacted his creative output and live shows; he passed away on 22 January 1993.
After Helno's death, several members left; however, Mellino, Canavese, Ochowiak, and Paulus continued with the ensemble. They released Zig-Zague in 1995 along with the live album Green Bus. By their 1999 release Trabendo, their musical direction had shifted toward dub-influenced lounge styles.
Albums
- Mlah (1988)
- Famille nombreuse (1991)
- An Aperitif (1994)
- Zig-zague (1994)
- Green Bus (1996, live)
- Trabendo (1999)
- Acoustic Clubbing (2001)
Compilations
- 10 Remixes (’87–’93) (1993)
- Le Grand Déballage (2002)
- L'essentiel (2004)
- À l’Affiche (2006)
Singles
- Il (1989)
- Zobi La Mouche (1989)
- Voila L’ete (1989)
- "I Love Paris" (1990) (from tribute album Red Hot + Blue, produced by the Red Hot Organization)
- Face à La Mer (1991)
- Famille Heureuse (1992)
- Hou! Mamma Mia (1992)
- Sous Le soleil de bodega (1992)
- Apres La pluie (1994)
- Mambo Show (1994)
- A Quoi Bon (1995)
- Easy Girls (1999)
- Leila (1999)
- Hasta Llegar (2000) (promo CD, unreleased)
- Spank / Abuela (2000)