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July 22, 2012

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French singer mixes chanson and jazz

FRENCH chanson singer-songwriter Enzo Enzo (born Korin Ternotzeffar) is a household name in France, known for her chanson mixed with jazz.

The singer, born in 1960, recently performed in Hangzhou on tour sponsored by Alliance Francaise China, and demonstrated why she is so popular.

She became known 20 years ago when she released her first single, "I Want To Play It All." She played electric bass with the rock group Lili Drop under the name Enzo Enzo.

With three albums in the 1990s she established herself on the French music scene. In 1994, she was celebrated as the best female singer with her song "Just a Good Person."

She has received the award of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (Knights of Arts and Letters).

She spoke to Shanghai Daily.

Q: After their initial success, many artists have a problem in surpassing their early works. Do you?

A: I don't think I am that famous, and I don't think I have the problem.



Q: How do you develop your own style?

A: For more than 20 years, I never followed others. Twenty years ago I made my own music style, chanson mixed with jazz and had no idea that would make me famous. Twenty years on, I am not as famous as I used to be because I insist on making my own music, that's what musicians should do.

I am always attracted by good musicians and poets, and it is my habit to communicate with them, so I can try to be as expressive as possible.



Q: What are the most important things in making music?

A: A good sound, the human voice or sound from an instrument; a good rhythm that goes well with the sound, and lyrics full of sentiment that touches people.

Q: What would you do if you were not a musician?

A: I would love to work in a theater, as a props person or scheduler. Or maybe a job in pretty places like a stationery store or bakery.



Q: How do you feel about your China tour?

A: July is hot but I get used to it quickly. I loved the visit to a tea village in Hangzhou and we could walk barefoot. And the wonderful food amazes us. I know very little about Chinese music but I've listened to "Tian Mi Mi" (literally "Sweet Honey" in English, a representative song by late Taiwan singer Teresa Teng), and I think it is very moving.



Q: What are your plans?

A: I'll play in a comedy club next year, and then I will work around a repertoire of songs written by Marie Nimier with two classical musicians, a pianist and a cellist. I am also preparing new songs, so hopefully I can present them when I come to China next time.




 

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