|
|
|
Franklyne, the eclectic vocalist from Canada, brings her sound to Women's Week. |
|
Franklyne: moving it inside
By Lauren Johnson
Banner Correspondent
Busking is a time-honored tradition in Provincetown. Here, amid the barking for comedy and drag shows, musicians can set out the proverbial hat and entertain shoppers and passers-by, and hopefully make a few dollars in the process. More importantly, perhaps, busking gives talented artists a chance to show what they can do — which can, in certain instances, lead to gigs that happen indoors as well as out. That's just what came about when promoter Michelle Crone heard Franklyne, along with her musical partner Judy LaChapelle, playing on the street this summer.
"Busking in Provincetown is really fun," says Franklyne, who first came to town back in 2000. "I've always played my own music here, never covers. People seem to really like it, even when it's in French or Spanish, no matter what language they speak."
Although she doesn't speak French, Michelle Crone liked what she heard after some friends brought her to hear Franklyne and Judy, who had set up on Commercial Street and were playing to appreciative crowds. After a few successful summer dates, she invited the band back down for Women's Week. "It's our first time to be in town for Women's Week, and we're really excited," said Judy, reached by phone in Montreal. "By the way, what's the weather going to be like?"
The weather may be uncertain; the music is not. Playing cuts from her latest album, Nouveau Scenario, Franklyne, with Judy singing harmony, offers "pop-Latin-world fusion, mixed with the heat of salsa, cha-cha, bossa, rhumba and reggae." The group's smooth vocal style and memorable harmonies are easy-going and diverse, with approachable lyrics sure to please the women's week crowd.
Franklyne and Judy, who have been working together since 2002, met (interestingly enough) when they shared a ride to Provincetown. "We realized we liked the same music," says Judy. "I knew about her, because she is quite well known in Montreal, but she didn't know me at all." But after traveling and singing in the car for those hours, Franklyne realized what a powerful voice Judy has. "She has a great range, and I liked her harmonies. I work with a lot of bands as an arranger, and I liked what she was doing."
That trip, the two women spent some time together, but they didn't start performing together for another year. "I got involved in her career first on the business side," says Judy. "The rest came later on."
While singing professionally was new to Judy then, Franklyne already had a long history in the business. Back in the 1980s, she had released two albums with her punk group Terapi; the band eventually opened for acts such as Nina Hagen and The Fixx. In the '90s, she was into rock 'n' roll. But as she got more into the alternative scene, her taste began to change. "Back then I was mad, you know? I was angry. I needed a change. New scenario — that's what the new album's title means. It's a new scenario for me."
Nouveau Scenario blends international sounds and rhythms, and it's definitely the kind of music you can get up and dance to, especially if you can samba. "It's dance music, but not loud disco. You know," says Franklyne laughing, "it's social dance music."
This fall, Franklyne will take the new album, which was released in May, on the road.
"We'll be touring Quebec this fall and winter," says Judy, "but we're happy to be starting off in Provincetown. There's such a community spirit here, and such great support for music. You can show up and get a permit to play in the street — how many other places in North America can you still do that?"
See Franklyne at 9 p.m. Oct. 6 and at 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the UU Meeting House, 236 Commercial St. and two shows, 10 p.m. and midnight Oct. 11 at Bubala's, 185 Commercial St.
|
Clinton is Woman of the Year
Outer Cape Galleries
|
|
|
|
|
Oct 4th, 2007