The Puppini Sisters

Сделал поиск по форуму и не нашел ни одного упоминания об этой замечательной группе. Думаю, надо восполнить пробел.

Сам я их впервые увидел несколько месяцев назад по Euronews и пришел в восторг. Потом вернулась из Германии знакомая и рассказала, что ее свекор, dj для тех, кому за 40, целыми днями слушает CD этой группы и, естественно, использует их записи в своих программах.

Итак, я буду потихоньку выкладывать сюда информацию, а если кто захочет присоединиться -- welcome!

Для начала статья из Wikipedia.

The Puppini Sisters are a trio of the Italian Marcella Puppini and English Stephanie O'Brien and Kate Mullins. The group was founded by Marcella after she was inspired by the animated film Belleville Rendez-vous. The Puppini Sisters' debut single, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", is a cover of the iconic hit single by The Andrews Sisters and, although the three are not actually related, they name themselves so in tribute to The Andrews Sisters. One of the more unusual songs in their repertoire is Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights", sung in the style of the Andrews Sisters. Marcella, Stephanie and Kate studied music at Trinity College of Music in London.

The Puppini Sisters are currently supported by a three-piece band featuring Martin Kolarides on guitar, Henry Tyler on drums/percussion and upright bassist Nick Pini.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Puppini_Sisters

Официальный сайт:
http://www.thepuppinisisters.com/

Очень приятно сделан, рекомендую.

Еще сайт (скорее, страница на myspace.com):
http://www.myspace.com/puppinisisters

Betcha Bottom Dollar -- первый и пока единственный альбом The Puppini Sisters на британском "Амазоне":
http://www.amazon.co.uk/o/ASIN/B000FDFKEI/ref=s9_asin_title_1/026-9840787-4258035

В США этот CD (пока) не выходил, поэтому на американском "Амазоне" он стоит $40 (импорт).

Статья о Betcha Bottom Dollar в The Independent:

By Andy Gill

Published: 04 August 2006

With Dita Von Teese - that's Mrs Marilyn Manson to you - bringing burlesque strip joint culture into the artistic mainstream, and Mary Harron's film about Fifties pin-up icon Bettie Page drawing admiring notices, there's clearly a retro-kitsch cheesecake aroma in the air at the moment. So the time is probably perfect for The Puppini Sisters, three classically-trained chanteuses from Trinity College of Music bent on reviving the heyday of The Andrews Sisters.

Inspired by the cartoon trio in the delightful French animated film Belleville Rendezvous, the Puppinis can do virtually inflection-perfect versions of swing standards like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", The Chordettes' "Mr Sandman" - here augmented with a sparkling Django-esque gypsy guitar break - and Irving Berlin's "Sisters", whose swing-lite backing incorporates twinkling celesta. Appropriately, the arrangement genius behind those deft touches is producer Benoît Charest, who was Oscar-nominated for his music on Belleville Rendezvous, and who adds his own digits to the finger-snaps and foot-stomps rhythm bed that underpins the Sisters' a cappella harmonies.

Not all of the Sisters' retreads are as wholly successful - for all its requisite marimba rhythms, "Sway" lacks Dean Martin's louche quality, and their "Java Jive" doesn't quite have The Inkspots' creamy ease, being more mannered than relaxed.

But that's only half the Puppinis' appeal: the element that's winning them fans on the chic club and rag-trade circuit is their re-imagining of pop classics like "Heart Of Glass" - transformed here into a cowboy canter-along - and "I Will Survive", which transfers rather well to their style. But the standout track is Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights", live performances of which apparently recreate Kate's original windswept choreography, in triplicate as it were.

While the languid double-bass swing style somewhat denudes its emotional power, the song's serpentine melody provides ample opportunities for bravura bouts of elision, and the gentle keening of glass harmonica and Ondes Martenot in the background of Charest's arrangement is a masterstroke. Indeed, his input may be the crucial factor in helping elevate The Puppini Sisters above the merely gimmicky; and prompts speculation on what they might cover next.

I can imagine them doing "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ("here we are now, entertainers," etc), and even "Pretty Vacant"; but the one I'd really like to hear is "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35".

DOWNLOAD THIS: 'Wuthering Heights', 'I Will Survive', 'Mr Sandman', 'Sisters'

With Dita Von Teese - that's Mrs Marilyn Manson to you - bringing burlesque strip joint culture into the artistic mainstream, and Mary Harron's film about Fifties pin-up icon Bettie Page drawing admiring notices, there's clearly a retro-kitsch cheesecake aroma in the air at the moment. So the time is probably perfect for The Puppini Sisters, three classically-trained chanteuses from Trinity College of Music bent on reviving the heyday of The Andrews Sisters.

Inspired by the cartoon trio in the delightful French animated film Belleville Rendezvous, the Puppinis can do virtually inflection-perfect versions of swing standards like "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", The Chordettes' "Mr Sandman" - here augmented with a sparkling Django-esque gypsy guitar break - and Irving Berlin's "Sisters", whose swing-lite backing incorporates twinkling celesta. Appropriately, the arrangement genius behind those deft touches is producer Benoît Charest, who was Oscar-nominated for his music on Belleville Rendezvous, and who adds his own digits to the finger-snaps and foot-stomps rhythm bed that underpins the Sisters' a cappella harmonies.

Not all of the Sisters' retreads are as wholly successful - for all its requisite marimba rhythms, "Sway" lacks Dean Martin's louche quality, and their "Java Jive" doesn't quite have The Inkspots' creamy ease, being more mannered than relaxed.
But that's only half the Puppinis' appeal: the element that's winning them fans on the chic club and rag-trade circuit is their re-imagining of pop classics like "Heart Of Glass" - transformed here into a cowboy canter-along - and "I Will Survive", which transfers rather well to their style. But the standout track is Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights", live performances of which apparently recreate Kate's original windswept choreography, in triplicate as it were.

While the languid double-bass swing style somewhat denudes its emotional power, the song's serpentine melody provides ample opportunities for bravura bouts of elision, and the gentle keening of glass harmonica and Ondes Martenot in the background of Charest's arrangement is a masterstroke. Indeed, his input may be the crucial factor in helping elevate The Puppini Sisters above the merely gimmicky; and prompts speculation on what they might cover next.

I can imagine them doing "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ("here we are now, entertainers," etc), and even "Pretty Vacant"; but the one I'd really like to hear is "Rainy Day Women #12 & 35".

http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/reviews/article1211748.ece

У меня есть этот альбом, так что, если кому-то надо, то могу посодействовать:)

Интервью с "сестричками":

The Puppini Sisters have taken the current trend for all things burlesque, reapplied their gorgeous red lipstick and are fairly running towards the charts.

We caught up with them to ask a few questions ahead of tonights instore performance at HMV on Oxford St - they will be celebrating the launch of their debut album ‘Betcha Bottom Dollar’...

How did you get together?

We all went to Trinity College of music at different times and took a 4-year degree course in Jazz singing and performance. When Marcella left, she missed singing the tenor part with me (Kate) in the jazz choir so phoned me up to get together a little group to sing through Andrew’s Sisters tunes for fun. I suggested Steph as the third member and it just so happened that she was a redhead, which completed the Puppini rainbow of blonde, brunette and redhead!

Where do you think the current trend for all things burlesque came from?

It’s definitely been an underground scene for a while now, particularly in East London, in venues like The Bethnal Green Working Mens Club and with performance groups/club organisers like the Whoopee Club, Lost Vagueness and Modern Times. Suppose the trend has developed from the Rockabilly and Torture Garden scene, and of course through a communal love of dressing-up glam!

Where do you get your amazing vintage clothes from and what is your favourite item in your wardrobe?

Some of our outfits are market and second-hand shop finds, some are made to measure and a lot is from Vivienne Westwood. Marcella used to work for her so she still has a lot of useful contacts. Our favourite, most fabulous yet hopelessly impractical item is our matching red couture corset dresses which feature in our music video for our debut single The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy from Company B. (You can see this video at www.thepuppinisisters.com)

What song in your repetoire has been the hardest to re-work in your style?

Wuthering Heights was probably the hardest one to Puppini-fy. Marcella spent many a day lost in despair and many more in tears over that one! The end result is so different from the original it’s become a new song in its own right and we love it!

Do you think any song out there could handle your magic? Which would you love to do that you have not tried yet?

Not all attempts have worked! A gospel/country version of ‘Purple Rain’ was abandoned mid-way through and Ten CC’S ‘I’m Not In Love’ wasn’t too successful either. It’s mainly ballads that don’t translate to the Puppini style. Ballads didn’t exist like they do today in the 30’s and 40’s so trying to cover modern day tunes without that bouncy sense of swing doesn’t tend to work. ‘Walk Like an Egyptian’ might work though…

How would you describe your musical style?

We’ve made up our own genre to describe it best: Vintage-Swing-Pop.

Do you perform any original songs or is it all re-worked covers?

This first album is a gentle warm-up to the world of Puppini so we’ve stuck to arranging covers. We’re in the process of writing originals though. They’ll be in a similar vein and style to the first album. It’s hard work but it’ll definitely be worth it for the second album!

How have the artists you have covered appreciated it? Any feedback from them?

We were very surprised to receive such positive feedback from The Smiths fans! They are renowned for being very picky but have left some really nice feedback on our MySpace site (www.myspace.com/puppinisisters ). We also feature on a website called ‘The Worst Kate Bush Covers Ever’ as doing a version that they do actually like! Still waiting to hear from Kate and Morrissey though…

What has been your favourite gig to date?

Definitely Duckie, which is a gay/alternative cabaret night at the Vauxhall Tavern. The audience are very discerning and if they don’t like something, they will let you know! The night itself has one a Lawrence Olivier award in the past and we initially arranged both ‘Wuthering Heights’ and ‘Panic’ to get gigs there. We love performing there. They truly are very loyal and fabulous people.

What is next for the band?

We’re beginning work on writing original tunes. Expect bigger hair, more red lipstick and a national tour starting in September.

If you could choose a place and a year to go back to, where and when would you be?

New York, 1935, performing alongside Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers.

http://www.mywestend.co.uk/westend/fe-bars_interview-the-puppini-sisters.htm

Видео на You Tube:

Puppini Sisters sing Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy


The Puppini Sisters do Wuthering Heights


Puppini Sisters - Jeepers Creepers


Puppini Sisters - Doo wop de doo wop de doo


The Puppini Sisters - I will survive


Puppini Sisters - Fish - Cafe De Paris


Puppini Sisters - Wuthering Heights - Cafe De Paris


the puppini sisters gig


Если кому-то интересно: видео с You Tube можно сохранить в формате FLV на hard drive с помощью сайта http://keepvid.com/, а проигрывать потом FLV Player'ом (http://www.martijndevisser.com/blog/article/flv-player-updated).

Две страницы с "Амазона" с отзывами слушателей:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/customer-reviews/B000FDFKEI/ref=cm_rev_next/026-9840...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/customer-reviews/B000FDFKEI/ref=cm_cr_dp_2_1/026-984...

Всего (на сегодняшний день) 14 отзывов, все восторженные, везде 5 звездочек из 5. Ниже я приведу несколько примеров.

Listen carefully, 9 Aug 2006
Reviewer: DSD "your pal Dave" (UK)

At first listen, this is the stuff of summer garden parties, cafes, and lounge music - a far cry from the Puppini Sisters' live set which tends to have the audience jumping up and down by the third number. The production of the album is interestingly complex, a reflection of producer Benoit Charest's musical universe of theramins, gypsy guitars and musical saws. The Sisters' harmonies are super tight, and they play many of the instruments as well. Their backing band is equally talented, and the album comes across as the work of consumate professionals. My only complaint could be that it's more of a musician's album - something very subtle about it that makes me think only the trained ear of a musician would be able to pick up on just how much really is going on.

The incessant comparisons to The Pipettes are unjustified. The only thing these two bands have in common is that there are three women singing in each. If anything, the Sisters should be compared to the bands they pay homage to - The Andrews Sisters, The Brox Sisters, The Dinning Sisters and the Chordettes, whilst the Pipettes should be compared to the Phil Spector school.

The strongest points on the Sisters' album have to be their reworkings of the more modern material: Blondie's Heart of Glass, Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights, Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive and the Smiths' Panic - not to mention their fantastic rendition of Libertango available only as an iTunes download. It's in this material that we see just how talented the Sisters are. Check the liner notes - they've done all the arrangements themselves; these ladies are not the product of a record company's marketing strategy for latching on to the current retro trends. They're musicians, paying homage to other musicians. I look forward to their next release, and hope that they go a bit more out on a limb with original material.

Something Special, 11 Jun 2006
Reviewer: Jec Pearson "Obsessive Music Guru" (London)

As a massive music fan, I spend most of my time being disappointed by a lot of the music floating around nowadays. Only rarely do I come across something different and new, and this really is something wonderfully different and ingeniously new. Don't be fooled by the tongue-in-cheek appearance of the Puppini Sisters, these girls have some cracking songs on this album and I simply can't wait to unleash them onto unwitting party guests. Girl Power is back... um, from the 1940s!

Simply fabulous!, 30 May 2006
Reviewer: Jazz Fan (Kent, England)

Wow - all I can say is that these sisters are the coolest gals around! Having seen the girls play live and heard a few tracks online, I know that this promises to be the most exciting album of the year. A perfect blend of jazz, the Andrews Sisters and toe-tapping brilliance, The Puppini Sisters play a mix of old-time standards and really liven things up with their fabulous take on some more modern tunes. Their three part harmonies are just delightful and having been blown away at their live shows I can't wait to hear this full length player.

An explosion of camp energy, old-time glamour and sassy fun, these three ladies look set to inject 2006 with a huge dose of Puppini magic.

Если кому-то лень ходить по ссылкам, то вот обложка Betcha Bottom Dollar. Увидите где-то -- не проходите мимо, купите -- не пожалеете.

Как уже было сказано выше, эти Пуппини - современная копия Andrews Sisters, которые в первой половине ХХ века гремели на всю Америку... Я очень не люблю такие группы, которые не говорят своим творчеством ничего нового, а просто перепевают хиты забытого многими исполнителя, полностью копируя его стиль и манеру...

2Jack Pumpkinhead:
Как было сказано выше, "the strongest points on the Sisters' album have to be their reworkings of the more modern material: Blondie's Heart of Glass, Kate Bush's Wuthering Heights, Gloria Gaynor's I Will Survive and the Smiths' Panic - not to mention their fantastic rendition of Libertango available only as an iTunes download. It's in this material that we see just how talented the Sisters are. Check the liner notes - they've done all the arrangements themselves; these ladies are not the product of a record company's marketing strategy for latching on to the current retro trends. They're musicians, paying homage to other musicians."

Альбом Betcha Bottom Dollar в формате mp3 (около 60 мб) можно скачать до 9 ноября здесь:
http://ifolder.ru/295100

Я и не говорил, что они продукт рекордкомпании... Нормальные, в меру талантливые тетьки... На мой взгляд, это все равно второсортный продукт в основном... Могли бы потрудитmся и засунуть туда побольше своих песен, или на худой конец переповок современных, типа I Will Survive...

Guardian Unlimited (online-версия Guardian):
http://arts.guardian.co.uk/features/story/0,,1820883,00.html

Flash Forward

The Puppini Sisters live in the past. The Forties, to be precise, when life was more decorous. So what's with the musical saws and Smiths songs, asks Liz Hoggard

Sunday July 16, 2006
Observer Music Monthly

Man Ray called lipstick 'the red badge of courage'. The surrealist artist must have been thinking of the Puppini Sisters. Their fans range from gay clubbers to housewives obsessed by showtunes, but the Puppinis are anything but a manufactured girl band. For a start, they are classically trained.
Marcella (husky Italian), Kate (vivacious blonde) and Steph (redhead in Annie Hall garb) all met at Trinity College of Music in London. Inspired by Benoit Charest's Oscar-nominated soundtrack for the animated film Belleville Rendez-Vous, they began re-arranging 1940s classics such as 'Mr Sandman' and 'The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' as tight three-part harmonies.

Soon they were offering cover versions of Blondie's 'Heart of Glass' and Kate Bush's 'Wuthering Heights' (where Cathy's desperate 'Ooh it gets dark, it gets lonely on the other side' sounds heartbreakingly jaunty). 'We like to see it as a tribute rather than taking the piss,' says Kate. The test came when they performed the Smiths's 'Panic' at gay cabaret night Duckie. 'My husband lied,' reveals Marcella. 'It was a Morrissey night and he told them we had a great song. So we had to get one quick.'

In a world of identikit blondes, the Puppinis are a breath of fresh air. 'People never heckle us - perhaps because we're so prim,' laughs Marcella. 'We haven't got our tits out looking lairy,' agrees Kate with a smile. 'It would be like heckling The London Philharmonic Orchestra; people really respect the musicianship,' says Steph.

Their collective influences range from Tom Waits and Nick Cave to 1930s girl group the Boswell Sisters - 'darker and more angular than the Andrews Sisters'. Kate has a weakness for heavy metal, and hopes Europe's 'The Final Countdown' may soon join their repertoire.

It's such a brilliant idea you wonder why no one thought of it before. But copyists beware. 'We do all our own arrangements. Singing this stuff is really difficult,' says Steph. 'We've spent years learning our craft.'

Snapped up by the former manager of the Cocteau Twins and Smashing Pumpkins, they signed to Universal. Their debut album is - fittingly - produced by Charest himself, who contributes a variety of weird instruments including celestes and musical saws.

They have appeared on Russell Brand's radio show and performed to enthusiastic crowds at the Wireless festival. The Puppinis hate the idea of celebrity for its own sake, but concede that they would make an exception for Elton and Dave's White Tie and Tiara Ball. C'mon on boys, give them a call.

18 декабря вышел рождественский CD single The Puppini Sisters с песнями Jingle Bells и Silent Night. Диск, вроде бы, начал неплохо продаваться, и рецензии были хорошие, но по необъясненным пока причинам компания Universal изъяла его из продажи. Вот отзыв слушателя с amazon.co.uk:

<5/5> Such a pity!, 18 Dec 2006
Reviewer: DSD "your pal Dave" (UK)
The single Jingle Bells/Silent Night has been withdrawn by Universal. Don't know why. It's a shame as the single is excellent and was already distributed to the press and radio stations, and is now being sold on ebay... It is still possible to download the single from iTunes and other digital outlets, but it isn't quite the same. The Puppini Sisters have been performing the new numbers at all their gigs lately, and they've been blowing the crowds away. Silent Night is especially exciting, as it is the first number with original lyrics by the Sisters, and they're dark and lovely. A hint of Nick Cave, a dash of Nashville, a few shakes of Hans Christian Andersen, all poured lovingly over a classic ballad of Christmas melancholy.

Отсюда можно загрузить Jingle Bells в формате mp3:
http://www.zshare.net/audio/puppini-sisters-jingle-bells-mp3.html

17 сентября 2007 г. должен выйти новый альбом Puppini Sisters под названием Spooky.

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