A Blast from the Past: "Comment Allez Vous Trompette Plaintive" by Aimé Barelli Et Son Orchestre
Alright, let’s talk about this gem of a jazz album that feels like stepping into a smoky Parisian club in 1946. Comment Allez Vous Trompette Plaintive by Aimé Barelli Et Son Orchestre is one of those records you stumble upon and instantly feel like it’s speaking directly to your soul—or maybe just your feet, because damn, it makes you want to move.
The whole vibe of the album is pure vintage charm, with Barelli’s trumpet leading the charge like an old friend who knows exactly how to cheer you up. I gotta say, though, two tracks really stuck with me: “Trompette Plaintive” and “Comment Allez-Vous?” These songs are so alive they practically jump out of the speakers.
“Trompette Plaintive,” man—it hits different. The title says it all; plaintive means sad or mournful, but there’s something oddly comforting about the way Barelli plays here. It’s not just sadness; it’s more like nostalgia wrapped in brass. His trumpet has this raw, almost human voice quality, like he’s telling you his life story without saying a word. You can hear every breath, every little quirk, and somehow it makes you feel less alone. Like yeah, we’ve all been through stuff, but hey, look at us now!
Then there’s “Comment Allez-Vous?”—which literally translates to “How are you?” But don’t expect polite small talk here. This track swings hard, with Barelli’s band absolutely killing it. There’s this infectious energy where the rhythm section locks in tight, and the horns come blazing in like they’re having the time of their lives. It’s impossible not to smile while listening to this one. Honestly, if someone asked me how I’m doing after hearing this song, I’d probably answer, “Better than ever!”
What strikes me most about this record is how unapologetically French it feels. Not just because it was recorded in France back in ’46, but because it carries this carefree elegance that screams je ne sais quoi. The Swing label knew what they were doing putting this out—it’s got that timeless appeal that even modern listeners will dig.
You know what’s wild? Listening to this album today feels like eavesdropping on history. Here’s Barelli and his crew, making music right after World War II ended, when Europe was still picking up the pieces. Yet instead of dwelling on the heaviness of it all, they chose joy, passion, and creativity. It’s like they’re whispering across decades: “Hey, no matter what happens, keep dancing.”
Anyway, give this album a spin if you haven’t already. Just don’t blame me if you find yourself swaying awkwardly in your kitchen at midnight, wondering why everything feels… better for a moment.
