Rebecca M. Quintet
Jazz singer (writer, composer, performer); Leader of the Rebecca M. Quintet, made up of Julien Lallier (piano), Quentin Ghomari (trumpet), Simon Tailleu (double bass) and Anne Paceo (drums)
Has lived in Paris for seven years and discovered New York aged 20.
Has recently appeared in New York, with her jazz group, the Rebecca M. Quintet, as part of the International New York Fringe Festival.
- Paris
- Tips
Rebecca M. Quintet’s
Rebecca’s Old Paris
What makes you a real Paryorker? I feel really infused with the energy of these two cities, which are different but complementary, and both feed into my lifestyle and the way I work. New York marked the beginning of my adult life in a unique way. When I arrived in New York aged 20, I realized anything was possible and I didn’t have to compromise my passions. Back in Paris, this feeling stayed with me, but I need to return to New York regularly for a “booster shot”. And like so many jazz musicians, both French and American, I share my heart between New York and Paris.
How did you become one? Since childhood, I always felt myself violently drawn by the magnet of New York. I had to wait until I was 20 to go there but once back in France the strong bonds I formed with New York State often call me back.
Which other Paryorkers do you know? Mainly musicians who live in Paris and travel regularly to New York, which is still the capital of jazz. They go there to learn, play, work… and sometimes even decide to stay there.
How do these two cities contribute to balancing your personal and/or your professional life? I could not imagine living anywhere other than Paris or New York. The music, the energy and the romance of New York are irreplaceable. But I am also European and life in Paris is rich in culture, humanity and also art – there are excellent musicians in Paris and a genuine interest in jazz.
What’s the difference between the New-Yorker you and the Parisian you? When I am a Parisian I am more focused on my own world, more creative, more protected. When I am in New York, I feel more open to other people, more energetic… and I sleep a lot less!
What images do these two cities bring to mind? For me Paris is a city in black and white, while New York is Technicolor (and Dolby surround!)
What’s your fondest memory of Paris? A romantic walk from the Palais de Tokyo to the Quartier des Halles.
What’s the first thing you do when you set foot in Paris? Eat cheese.
And the last one, when you leave? Buy gifts.
What’s the best time of day for you in Paris? The morning, when the stores are empty, and the evening, when artistic life is in full swing.
Do you have a ritual that’s intimately related to the city? Going to eat falafels in the Quartier des Halles.
What excites you about Paris? The old-style lamposts, the “métropolitain” signs, the old apartment buildings – everything reminiscent of old Paris.
What annoys you? Cars and everything to do with them – cars parked on cycle paths and the angry drivers always sounding their horns.
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