Paris-based jazz singer, percussionist and tap dancer Lucy Dixon talks to RFI about how her love of swing inspired her to reinterpret some of the great songs of 30s and 40s America on her latest album Lulu's Back in Town. 

 

 

Dixon has a background in musicals, was a member of the band Stomp for over a decade and even stepped out as a Bluebell girl at the Paris Lido for a while. But she's found her raison d'etre stepping back into the past, performing rhythmic jazz songs that make you want to dance. And that echo strongly with the present.  

Armed with a great voice, bags of style, and nimble footwork that allows her to contribute percussion to the set, she brings something beyond pure nostalgia to classics like Shall We Dance, Get Happy, After You've Gone and of course Fats Waller's Lulu's Back in Town. Her a capella interpretation of When I get low I get high should be savoured not just for the voice, but as a reminder that these seemingly upbeat songs are darker than they seem.

Dixon's on the road with a solid gypsy jazz trio: David Gastine (guitar), Vincent Simonelli (Guitar) and Sebastien Gastine (double bass).

Next shows in London at ZEDEL LIVE: 16 May, 28 June

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