The Novo Los Angeles, CA
Contact: inge@goldatl.as
Web: caravanpalace.com
Players: Zoé Colotis, vocals, clarinet; Arnaud de Bosredon, guitar, synth; Charles Delaporte, bass, d-bass, synth-bass; Martin Berlugue, trombone; Lucas Saint-Cricq, saxophones; Romain Theret, vibraphone, keyboards
Sharing music from 2015’s <|*_*|> and last year’s Gangbuster Melody Club, along with a few from Caravan Palace (2008), Panic (2012), and Chronologic (2019), Parisian group Caravan Palace delivered an upbeat, energetic, and danceable show at downtown L.A.’s Novo. Kicking things off with a Django Reinhardt-esque intro before slipping into a heavy backbeat with deliciously thick horn lines (trombone and baritone sax) on “Wonderland,” the engaged, mellow crowd of mixed ages, ethnicities, and persuasions, danced away to the tightknit performance in a near-capacity room.
A fabulous baritone sax opened “Reverse,” with syncopated lyricism and continued guttural horn notes. “Raccoons” brought robotic sound, fabulous bass lines, and ongoing call-and-response action from the crowd. Tight horn solos, incredible soli horn sections, playful clarinet runs, and lovely harmonies between instrumentals and multiple layered vocal sections showcased the group’s incredible uniformity and relaxed, natural interaction (likely the result of their 15+ years together). The highlight of the night was their reimagined dance mix cover of Lead Belly’s “Black Betty,” which delivered an incredible trombone/baritone sax dancing soli section and more vocal interaction from the crowd (on ‘bam-be-lam’).
From retro synth work and ‘70s vibes, vintage vocal effects, grungy horn sounds, and various muted instrumentals, to grinding slow jams, deep ethereal EDM, and old-school swing (which included spontaneous lindy-hoppers within the crowd), Caravan Palace brings an eclectic combination. With personality to spare, the group appeared to be having a blast sharing their French electro-swing sound behind a jovial, theatrical stage performance that included smoke machines and extensive lighting.
Sharing positive, magnetic energy, Caravan Palace delivers a live show vibe that blends hipster swing pop with a lowkey dark rave feel. Ending the night with the crowd’s hands in the air, jumping in unison, Caravan Palace knows how to connect a room. Vibey, endlessly fun, and palpably electric, this group is the ultimate talented party band to create a joyful and inspiring, bouncy atmosphere.
