BOMBES 2 BAL

Bombes 2 Bal is a six-piece music ensemble from Toulouse (France) that masterfully fuses the traditional sounds of southwest France’s Occitania region with the dance-inspiring music of northeast Brazil. The female-fronted B2B, joined live by a pair of dancers, has one primary goal for its music : to make you dance.

The three female voices of B2B are backed by lightweight instruments from southwestern France including accordion, bass, and a plethora of poppy percussion, allowing a spontaneous dance to break out anywhere. Their melodies and harmonies create an upbeat atmosphere where it’s easy to sing and dance along.

B2B sings in both French and Occitan, creating infectious dance numbers. They also take much inspiration from the Brazilian Forro, a rich style of music that was traditionally found in Brazilian dance halls.

Claude Sicre, ethnomusicologist and pioneer of Toulouse band Fabulous Trobadors, organized the band and pens most of the songs. Together with the members of B2b, he merges the traditional sounds of Occitania with new influences. The band currently features accordion, harmonica, bass, various percussion instruments, and a traditional violin from central France. They have two albums, Danse avec ta grand-mère (2004) and Bal indigène (2007).

B2B’s distinct name is a play on words with the French expressions, “C’est de la bombe!” and “C’est de la balle!” both roughly meaning, “That’s awesome!”