Quai du Blues

...Getting down by the river

The audience joined in with the band on stage singing “Hey, don’t you want to go, back to sweet home Chicago.” It could be Chicago or maybe Memphis, but tonight the action is in Neuilly-sur-Seine at the Quai du Blues, a Paris club which features authentic American blues hosting such legendary musicians as Ike Turner and Screamin Jay Hawkins

Even the most francophile expat sometimes misses that backhome experience of going to a small neighborhood club and hearing a sweaty blues band crank out heartfelt tunes. Yet, the remedy for such transatlantic homesickness is as close as a trip out to this venue located on the I'Ile de la Jatte, which is cheaper than a plane trip... Last year, the American Blues magazine “Real Blues” elected the Quai du Blues as the best foreign blues club.

Gerard Vacher, the club’s owner says his dream is to have a place here on a par with Chicago’s Kingston Mines. His Paris club is what we expats love about this city. It takes the best of America and adds a “French Touch.” At the Quai, you can hear some of the same bands that play Chicago clubs, but the food (menu 24E) is a lot better... It’s French and very tasty. “My idea,” says Vacher, “is to have a supper club like what Harlem’s Cotton Club was in its heyday. The concerts are like my parties. Since the club is small (150 seats) it’s like having friends over.”

When asked why he decided to dedicate himself to promoting American blues music he says. “Several years ago I had a ‘Dépôt Vente’ club, which showcased cutting-edge rock. On a trip to the sSates looking for new talent I happened to hear some blues bands. The music touched me deeply. I decided that this was the kind of music I wanted to promote in France... You might say it's my calling.”

When talking about his love for the blues it comes as no surprise that Vacher almost sounds religious. He’s also the producer of the Gospel singer Liz Macomb, who has emerged as one of France’s leading gospel voices.

The Quai du Blues celebrates its eighth anniversary two weekends running (Mar 7-8 & Mar 14-15) with concerts featuring Johnny Mars, known as the Jimi Hendrix of the harmonica and Mary Taylor, who “testifies” the blues like nobody else. Also scheduled... Alvon Johnson, (guitar virtuoso) Feb 21-22. Chantz (trumpet à la Armstrong, Feb 21,22-28 & Mar 1. U.P. Wilson (guitar) and Mary Taylor (Mar 21-22). Quai du Blues, 17 bd Vital-Bouhot, 92200 Neuilly-Sur-Seine, tel: 01 46 24 22 00/01 11, Fri & Sat from 9pm. Concert 15E, menu 24E, drinks 5-9E. And, if you’re in the mood for a party... The Quai du Blues club hosts private events. (Website: www.quaidublues.com)