Call me biased (which I am because one of the members is a good friend of mine) but there is one "stand out" band currently playing in my small corner of France.
Route 403 is a trio of British musicians currently living and working in South West France.
Their repertoire of energetic Swing, Jazz and Blues, featuring cool three-part harmony, is drawn mainly from the 1940s and 1950s and includes material by such legendary artists as Louis Jordan, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Peggy Lee and Duke Ellington.
I have seen them play quite a few times and each time have come away with a smile on my face and a tune on my lips. It's my 50th next year and I'm hoping that they will play a big role in the celebrations (I need to ask if they can add some Eagles to their repetoire!).
If you're planning a trip out to the Charente this year then I heartily recommend looking up their gig guide in advance (click here for a link) and taking in a show. They often play at the Auberge de Condé in Bassac and La Courtine in Cognac - both of which do excellent food too.
Now, don't forget, if you see them on W9 in the French X factor being mentored by Christophe Willem you heard it here first!
www.cognacproperty.com
