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When I knew I would be sitting down to chat and catch up with the lead vocalist of the jazz band The Hot Sardines, Elizabeth Bougerol, I knew our conversation would be enjoyable, inspiring and much like taking a drink of refreshing water that leaves you energized, hopeful and inspired. And indeed that was the case. ?
To talk with Elizabeth, now our second time (listen to episode #157 for our first conversation), is to talk with someone who knows and is passionate about her craft and the genre of jazz; in other words, the history of jazz. And it is because of her passion, along with her unquestionable talent of being born to do it, paired with fellow co-founder of the band Evan Palazzo, the pianist of the ensemble and his equal passion and talent for what they do, that more and more people who tune in to The Hot Sardines’ music, and attend their concerts, are discovering and loving jazz all over again or for the very first time as you will learn about in our conversation.
Not only will she talk in detail about a handful of the songs on The Hot Sardines’ new album C’est La Vie (released wherever and however you enjoy your music on August 4, 2023), but we’ll talk about the difference between French jazz and American jazz which I found fascinating and also further revealing as to why I am enamored with the French culture.
We will also go beyond the album to talk about work-life balance, what it’s like to perform on stage while pregnant and how she answers the ever common question often raised, oddly, nearly exclusively to women who work, about Mom Guilt. I so enjoyed her answer, and I think you will as well.
Lastly, we talk again about finding the courage to pursue a passion project, and she offers advice to anyone who is considering doing so but maybe hasn’t taken the leap just yet.
I do hope you enjoy this episode which will also include three clips from the album that offers both French and English tracks, originals written by Bougerol and Palazzo and covers of beloved jazz favorites.
Now to the episode!
Buy the new album C’est La Vie from The Hot Sardines here
Links mentioned in the episode:
- Visit their website – hotsardines.com
- Listen to our first conversation in 2017, episode #157
- Watch and listen to The Hot Sardines in Confess, Fletch
- Listen to their album French Fries & Champagne
- Correction: my favorite track mentioned in the intro, Wake Up in Paris, is found on their first album – The Hot Sardines
- Follow The Hot Sardines on Instagram here
Listen to Elizabeth Bougerol partner up with Bob Parins in a duet covering Edith Piaf’s classic “La Vie En Rose”.
Listen to our first conversation together back in 2017, episode #157, talking Passion Projects, Jazz, Being French at Heart & Living in the Moment
~Explore more episodes of The Simple Sophisticate podcast here.
Photo credit of Elizabeth Bougerol above captured by Shervin Lainez.
Explore all posts shared during TSLL’s 8th Annual French Week here
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Been loving The Hot Sardines new album! It’s been on repeat the past few days for me. I’m looking forward to sitting down to listen to this episode too!
So glad to hear you’ve been enjoying it too Jennie! Thank you for sharing. ☺️
Thank you Shannon, and Elizabeth, for a riveting and informative listen. I’m very new to podcasts (3 of yours are all I have to my experience) but am still so amazed that you can go into hearing them with some idea of what it might be “about” and come out with so so much more than could be expected. I’m probably spoiled from now on since you are such a great interviewer and you choose such interesting interviewees but it is probably more so simply human interaction that never fails to teach us something.
Headed to buy the new cd now…I know, I’m a cd girl. Love consciously pulling it out of the case and putting it in and perusing the sleeve. All part of the experience to me. I’m sure streaming, or whatever the term is 🙂 has its wonderful place but I feel a little left in the dust where all that is concerned, and I’m just fine with that! 😉 I ordered 3 of theirs on Amazon (I’m really diving in) and see I need to go to their site for C’est La Vie. Thank you for all the French (etc etc etc etc) treasures you are bringing to us this week and always do throughout the year. Bonne Journee!!
Melissa, thank you for the reminder! I agree – its the whole experience; much like using a record player too. For me, the change to a slower place (no instant gratification here) makes choosing and listening to music all the more relaxing and enjoyable!
Shannon~
As a longtime fan of The Hot Sardines, I very much enjoyed this fun encore interview with Elizabeth Bougenol, and the new album is fabulous! Like you, I laughed out loud when she mentioned that Jazz in the States is mostly “music on a rom-com” as some of my most favored music can be found on soundtracks such as Something’s Gotta Give. What a beautiful rendition of La Vie en Rose while Adieu L’amour has qickly become a much played tune upon the albums release only days ago. As a lover of Nancy Wilson, I have long been a fan of I Wish You Love and this rendering did not disappoint.
Loved the epidode and Yes! Linen IS the rose’ of fabrics. 🙂
~Michelle
Magniique Shannon. She is so bubbly just like the music. ‘ It was more than a drink of refreshing water, more like something sparkling. Adieu l’Amour’ is gorgeous. So enjoyed this podcast . The CD is in my shopping basket as we speak.
She’s right Jazz is so mainstream here in France. America gave birth to Jazz but France was the first to.treat it as an art form. Some of the great Jazz musicians are French.The French treated the Black American Jazz musicians with respect and reverence. Josephine Baker is now buried in the Pantheon . Now that’s the height of reverence.
Yes ( in agreement with Michelle)I linen IS the Rosé of fabrics. I love to wear it, sleep on it and dress my house with it.
Here are a few French Jazz singers to explore
Henri Salvador, Liane Foly, Aurora, Anne Ducros, Claude Nougaro, Clothilde Rullaud and Zaz
Kameela?
Merci beaucoup Kameela! So much jazz to explore. I look forward to it!
Kameela,
I so love reading your additions – they always put a smile on my face!xoxo
Merci, Kameela, I am taking note of those jazz names… I know only Zaz. 🙂
Thanks Kameela, can’t wait to check them out!
Shannon, I discover the Hot Sardines a la YOU and am so thankful! I downloaded “C’est La Vie” as soon as you mentioned it in one of your This & That before the album was released in its entirety. My entire family enjoys the music, can’t wait to listen to the podcast today!
That is awesome to hear! Elizabeth and Evan really have a passion for what they do and this album reflects their intentionality, teamwork and passion. So glad to hear the entire family is enjoying it. Thank you for sharing. ??
Great interview, Shannon. Hot Sardines has become a favourite of mine. I want to get their new album in vinyl, but I will have to wait until end of September. I am “old fashioned” like that ;-), nothing beats the experience of listen to jazz in vinyl for a “full flavour” experience. If possible, with a glass of champagne… 🙂
Thank you for tuning in Isabel. The wait for the record will definitely be worth it. ?
I like your style!
Loved listening to this interview with Elizabeth, Shannon ?
Thank you for the sample of La Vie en Rose , and for the link to the Hot Sardines website .
I know you will enjoy listening to their new album ?
I started following the Hot Sardines after the your first podcast. I love their music and if you have the opportunity to see them live, GO. They put on an amazing show.
Shannon, thank you for your second interview with Elizabeth. So good! You two sound like girlfriends just chatting about life. I like that Elizabeth said she’s showing her children that you don’t have to sacrifice your dreams. I’m definitely going to listen to this interview and the music again and again. You both are so bubbly and quick. Love it!