Paula Kelley
Paris, La Fleche d'Or
March 5, 2004

Beginning with an invitation from France-Inter to push the single "A New Time" in the radio show "Fou du Roi," the idea to plan a tour in France spouted. And here thus the charming Paula Kelley arrived at La Fleche d'Or. We find her without the enormous orchestra that accompanies her on the disc but accompanied nevertheless by five musicians including a violinist and a trumpet player. In a flower-print skirt and sporting long pony-tail, Paula announces by her appearance her musical color: merry pop resolutely influenced by the sixties. The beginning of the set is nevertheless difficult in a room warmed up by a rock'n'roll group and because, quite simply, the mix is not in favour of Paula's suave voice. Consequently, "The Girlfriend" does not quite live up to its potential. Things improve throughout the set, and the band is cordial and generous. "A New Time" and "You Gonna Make It" (the only track from her debut album, released 3 years prior) follow. Paula alternates between the guitar, the piano, and just singing at the microphone with the same luminous presence.

Between each song, she announces the titles translated in approximate French under the amused glance of Aaron, the guitarist, and with some assistance from Angie, the violinist. The merry band has fun and communicates this spirit to the audience. The set is comprised mostly of tunes from the second album The Trouble with Success in faithful versions, with the exception of "My Finest Hour," being more punchy, with a prolonged instrumental section at the end featuring beautiful trumpet playing. In addition, Paula Kelley takes on Burt Bacharach's "Anyone Who Had has Heart," a song with obvious kinship to her music, before finishing the set with "I'd Fall in Love with Anyone."

Finally, I must mention an annoying circumstance (with reassurance that in the end it was amusing), that has nothing to do with the musical and visual qualities of the Paula Kelley Orchestra. As they were scheduled to appear between a rock 'n' roll band and an evening of reggae, they did not have the chance to have a completely captive public for the duration of the set. Some were clearly delighted, and responded with cheers and applause, but others were merely awaiting the next band without much respect! But as interest grew throughout the performance, an encore was demanded. The group played "A New Time" again, this time in front of a wildly enthusiastic public for the final blow. By this small act of prowess, Paula Kelley has proven that she can, if not raise mountains, at least move Rastas!!

Denis Z. (translated from the French original by Aaron Tap and Babelfish)