CLUB SIESTA & SUNSHINE presents :
"Louis Philippe & La Buena Vida spanish tour diary"
Louis Philippe and Danny Manners overcame their fear of flying no less than four times in five days last month, all for a worthy cause, since the time had come to promote "Jackie Girl" in Spain and do some gigs with La Buena Vida. Obviously the siesta team was exceptionally excited since Louis (despite being a friendly guy) is one of the greatest talents. Before his visit we were fully versed of all his excellences but his convivial stay reaffirmed his reputation. Another stimulating and challenging experience was to reproduce the atmosphere of "Soidemersol" (described as a huge leap forward for them) with the spaniards La Buena Vida in Madrid and Barcelona. We were thrilled to bits by these events.
Siesta arranged a programme of interviews and rehearsals and gigs and tapas and wine-tasting sessions and much else, all of which was greatly enjoyed by a cream-crackered but grateful duo...
Actually the initiation was rather disappointing since Louis' beloved classical guitar (the famous Lolita) had gone missing between Heathrow and Madrid-Barajas. Fortunately after much hair-pulling, persistent phone calls and some touch-and-go threats of legal actions to be implemented, Sara Siesta retrieved the guitar from Barajas with a relieved smile on her face.
The exhaustive and and exhausting rehearsals took place at Lanave where La Buena Vida with a string quartet, the jazz virtuoso Danny Manners playing piano and Louis Philippe conducting and amending the arrangments spent two intensive days. Culinary triumphs were served at night... You should ask Danny and Louis about the meaning of "pulpo", "cecina", "ojo de dragón", "navajas", "Ribeiro", "Alvariño", "Ribera de Duero"... and "Licor de Manzana verde". Everything was prepared for the first gig.
After a pleasant flight we arrived to the gardens of the Mediterranean Barcelona. The venue was "Luz de Gas" (Gaslight) erm... nothing to do with the Cuckor's film. Louis and Danny performed their usual "bonsai" set, a matter of 13 songs stripped to their core. 550 persons enjoyed the show but the climax was the superb performance of La Buena Vida at their best. Louis conducted the mini-orchestra passionately and Danny caressed the piano magically. The set was based in Soidemersol, Magnesia, the unreleased "Dulce y Callado" and a fabulous version of Chris Montez's "Call me". The Siesta trio celebrated the success with legions of admirers... who bought all the Siesta finery and posters. Louis unequivocally positive forecasted that the peak of pleasure would come in Madrid. He was right.
Mr. Auclair and Mr. Manners also found the time for highly enjoyable interviews for music magazines and popular radio-shows. Louis seductivily revealed his opinion about the 21st century, the best wine vintages, the sense of longing, the French music, the cyberrevolution and he even succeeded in a sports quiz. The funniest moment was when Jorge Albi asked him to compose instantly jingles for "food for cats" and ... prophylactical commercials !. By the way he performed "Martine" and the old King of Luxembourg number "The Rubens Room" (quite an appropiate choice in the city of Museo del Prado and Thyssen).
The marmorean "Círculo de Bellas Artes" an Arts centre was the place where the warmest reception of the audience become apparent especially in the faces of the gorgeous girls. Louis a Danny gained the sympathy of the enthusiastic public with a fascinating concert. Two new numbers were played "Deauville" by William Blezard and a ravishing Francis Phoulenc song entitled "La Grenouillere". The Siesta trio praticularly enjoyed "When Georgie died", "L'Aventure" and "Ripples on the river". La Buena Vida could not reach their highest level but captivated their fast increasing number of fans with their brilliant songs and charisma. The flagship of Siesta is in good form. Both gigs were recorded digitally, so, who knows, live albums might be on their way...
The final day off was richly enjoyed through visits to museums, el Madrid de los Austrias and Toledo. Hope you have the opportunity to meet these extraordinary bands. We are hedonists, are you?
