Melbourne’s own Paris Wells and Finley François have been busy crafting something special. Following the release of their collaborative album Lounge of the Flamingo in August, the pair are now set to bring the project to life with a full-album launch show at George Lane, St Kilda on Thursday 27th November.
Recorded live at MONA’s Frying Pan Studios while Wells was expecting her first child, Lounge of the Flamingo is a lush, Latin-infused lounge record inspired by the likes of Nouvelle Vague, Astrud Gilberto and Cesária Évora. Featuring guest turns from Kylie Auldist and composer Dean Stevenson, it’s a celebration of groove, calm and connection — a confident, sun-dappled statement from two artists with a twenty-year creative partnership.
François reflects on the experience:
“What’s not to love about Afro Latin music! Paris and I spent many years backstage & on the road speaking about a jazz base album as a side project, but that didn’t stick for me. When the opportunity to record at the newly built Frying Pan Studio, Paris mentioned she’d been diggin’ some lounge vibe tunes. I said “yes” let’s do that! Flamingo was born! My journey on piano started with Afro Latin jazz music so it was a beautiful place to return to, our reinterpretations of the covers was a dope process – rock to lounge! There’s always a positive energy in this genre, a celebration of all that is life! ”
In Wells’ words, “The team in this project was so solid and the happy musical partnership with Finley really shines through, we are at the point of finishing each others sentences, that shit takes time, this is my/our best body of work yet.”
Paris Wells has carved out an enviable career over two decades, performing alongside Rod Stewart, Justin Timberlake, Robyn and Plan B, and appearing at major festivals including Falls, Big Day Out and Meredith. Known for her fearless creativity and soulful delivery, she’s also collaborated with Bliss N Eso, Kaz James and Elie Saab, with her catalogue now surpassing a million streams.
Finley “pHinioUS” François, originally from Mauritius and now based in Naarm/Melbourne, is a DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose career has spanned live hip hop, Afro-Latin jazz and contemporary electronic music. From early Kiss FM airplay to performances at MONA FOMA, WOMADelaide and the Adelaide Fringe Festival, he’s collaborated with everyone from Grandmaster Flash and Kelly Rowland to Snoop Dogg and Tash Sultana.
To mark the upcoming show, Paris and Finley have curated the ultimate lounge soundtrack for readers of the AU review: a smooth, soulful blend of timeless cool, velvet vocals and understated rhythm. Whether you’re sipping martinis, setting the mood for a dinner party or easing into the weekend, these are the songs they’d spin at The Lounge of the Flamingo.
Stream their hand-picked playlist below, and grab tickets to the Melbourne launch HERE
PARIS
“Clarao Da Lua“ – By Roseaux ft Aloe Blac
I love how this song keeps it simple, the double bass sounds beautiful, Aloe is one of my favourite vocalists, I did a gig with him ages ago at Revolver before he got huge!
“Zou Bisou Bisou“ – Gillian Hills
Try not to sing this song all day, it’s addictive, and even more addictive when you’re changing a very cute chunky babies nappy (which was me last week), the song defines cute, cute kittens, cute puppies, cute bottoms, kissy kissy kissy.
“Les Fleurs“ – Minnie Riperton
Fun fact; Minnie is Maya Rudolph’s mum! This is one of those tunes where ‘if you know you know’, it’s such an epic mix of disco, soul and lounge with possibly one of the most epic choruses of all time. After all these years this tune STILL SLAPS, turn it up and make sure you’re wearing some sort of epic kimono when you do.
“Tchinitchirote“ – Cesaria Evora
It kind of all started here frankly, I fell in love with this recording a long time ago, how you can feel her in the room and it makes you feel warm inside.
“Love will tear us apart” – Nouvelle Vague, Eloisia
I could argue that this is what a perfect cover sounds like. They make a Joy Division song sound so romantic yet so blue. Sensational.
FINLEY
“Amor Di Mundo“ – Cesaria Evora
Cesaria is one my favourite storytellers, she cuddles you in with her voice and your listening. Love the choral and string section parts in this piece. Morna as a style has always given me a sense of happiness and joy of life even if the song context is sad.
“Samba Da Benção“ – Bebel Gilberto
The gentleness in this track takes me away into a fairy lane state. It’s like you’re floating on rhythms and a sweet melody. Always been a huge fan of how Bebel has been able to capture this in her albums.
“Morning“ – Azymuth
Guaranteed smile on your face, one of the best Brasil jazz bands.
“Água de Beber“ – Astrud Gilberto, Antônio Carlos Jobim
I’ve always been inspired and had admiration for Jobim harmonic work. It’s magical when you can make unconventional harmony be so accessible. As for Astrud well, say no more, she paints lyrics like no other!
“Gipsy Woman (La Da De La Da Da)” – Montefiori Cocktail
I always love a creative re-interperation of a song. Especially when it’s completely in a style you weren’t expecting from the original. Montefiori Cocktail have done a magnificent job on this classic house track, could totally see and boogie to this in an Austin Powers getup!
Keep in touch with Paris Wells via Facebook, Instagram and YouTube and Finley François on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
You can stream Lounge of the Flamingo HERE, and find more on Facebook, Instagram and the official Website
And, be sure to grab tickets to the Melbourne launch on the 27th of November at George Lane – tickets HERE
Photo Credit: Michelle G Hunter
