Biography
Baby et Lulu is the charismatic musical partnership between Abby Dobson, songstress extraordinaire and former frontperson for the platinum selling Leonardo’s Bride, and Lara Goodridge, violinist/singer with the celebrated string quartet FourPlay. Australia’s vivacious French-language chanteuse duo is proud to introduce their beautifully recorded self-titled début album (MGM Distribution).
The album was recorded live at 301 studio in Alexandria and then at Brighton Boulevard studio by producer par excellence, Tony Buchen (Tim Finn, Blue King Brown, Washington) – and features an eclectic mix of classics and contemporary numbers written by some of the 20th century’s greatest French songwriters.
From romantic songs about strolling along the Champs Élysées and a much loved Cole Porter jazz standard, to tracks made famous by cultural icons Edith Piaf, Brigitte Bardot and Françoise Hardy – Baby et Lulu have collated here a passionate tour de force of French song. There’s even an unexpected gift: a stunning French language rendition of the platinum-selling, “Even When I’m Sleeping”, originally sung by Abby herself in Leonardo’s Bride.
On the album, our gorgeous pair of bon vivants is joined by an all-star band of Sydney’s finest musicians, including Matt Ottignon (flute, sax, clarinet), Julian Curwin (guitar), Marcello Maio (keys), Mark Harris (bass), and Hamish Stuart(drums). Lara herself plays violin, while Tony Buchen brings his passion for vintage equipment and recording techniques to give the album’s sound such true character – capturing and translating the aesthetics of the project perfectly.
Abby and Lara became fast friends after Lara saw Abby perform at Sydney’s Basement one evening, was completely enamored, and offered to release Abby’s music on her new female-focused music enterprise, Craving Records. They soon realised they shared a love of vocal harmony and a passion for the romance and music of France. Later, they happened to be holidaying in Paris at the same time. Once Lara had purchased a book of early 20th century French popular songs, and the pair met to discuss the music in a Parisian café over French cigarettes and chocolat – the rest soon became history!
Make sure you hear the romantic and enchanting beauty so well captured onstage by Baby et Lulu and on their debut album.
Live in concert, the Baby et Lulu experience is joyous and celebratory, romantic and rollicking – full of passionate French music, rich harmonies and a stunning band of fine players. It’s a rendez-vous you don’t want to miss!
Testimonials
"It is impossible not to be charmed by the hypnotic voices of Baby and Lulu" Arts Hub
"Baby et Lulu, a couple of unabashed Francophile chanteuses, put on a show that leaves their audience feeling as refreshed as a bottle of sweet white wine rather than Cabaret’s standard night on the red." Aussie Theatre.com
"They have a tongue-in-cheek rapport and their voices blend beautifully as they roll out hits...Dobson's French adaptation of her hit single Even When I'm Sleeping was a highlight and Goodridge plays a mean fiddle." Adelaide Now
"Arriving to the packed out Festival Theatre main stage, it was clear the très charismatic pairing of sexy songstress’ Abby Dobson and Lara Goodridge, AKA Baby et Lulu, have earned themselves a strong following of baguette-loving-baby-boomers" - The AU Review
"Chanteuses Abby Dobson and Lara Goodridge in slinky, tight frocks and showing some leg — as part of the 2013 Adelaide Cabaret Festival — was advertised as ‘a sassy romance in Paris’ and did not disappoint." Global Media Post
"Dobson and Goodridge had the seated audience eating out of the palms of their hands... and pranced off stage to the sounds of a standing ovation" - Drum Media
‘Goodridge and Dobson combine their amazing talents in an explosion of French chic. The Jazzy, French chanson will have you feeling like you’re sitting in a Parisian café, even if you’ve never been to France. After hearing some of their tunes it is hard not to appreciate the talent that is Baby et Lulu.” Alt Media
“There’s a joie de vivre… C’est tres bon.” Sydney Morning Herald
‘With blithe spirit, old material is made new, yet again” The Australian, CD Review
“Dobson & Goodridge's vocals entwine; two lovesick songbirds in a melancholic pas de deux. Superb... Dobson's husky, yet delicate, quivering vocals put one immediately in mind of berets, checkerboard cafe chairs and long-legged passers-by. Goodridge's assertive, ever-adaptable and versatile violin playing has a clarity that matches her singing.” Australian Stage
