LES DOUBLE SIX

Biography

Les Double Six, also known as The Double Six of Paris, was a pioneering French vocal jazz group founded in 1959 by singer and arranger Mimi Perrin in Paris. The group quickly gained international acclaim in the early 1960s for their innovative approach to vocal jazz, particularly their mastery of 'vocalese'—the art of setting lyrics to jazz instrumental solos. The ensemble's name referred to their unique recording technique: the six members would record their parts and then double-track them, creating the rich, full sound of a much larger choir.

Les Double Six specialized in performing jazz standards, often in French, and were known for their ability to mimic the sounds of jazz instruments such as saxophones and trumpets using only their voices. Their repertoire included works by Quincy Jones, Dizzy Gillespie, and other jazz greats. The group’s membership was fluid, with notable singers like Christiane Legrand, Ward Swingle, Jean-Claude Briodin, and Eddy Louiss participating at various times. They collaborated with major jazz figures, most famously on the 1963 album 'Dizzy Gillespie and the Double Six of Paris,' which also featured Bud Powell and Kenny Clarke.

Despite their success, Les Double Six disbanded in 1966, largely due to Mimi Perrin's ongoing health issues. Several members went on to form or join the Swingle Singers, further influencing the direction of vocal jazz. Les Double Six are remembered for their technical brilliance, their role in popularizing vocalese in Europe, and their lasting influence on vocal jazz ensembles worldwide.

Fun Facts

• The group’s founder, Mimi Perrin, had to dissolve Les Double Six in 1966 due to her ongoing battle with tuberculosis, which she had contracted in 1949.
• Les Double Six’s double-tracking technique was inspired by similar studio innovations in American pop and jazz, notably those used by Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys.
• Several members, including Ward Swingle and Christiane Legrand, went on to form the Swingle Singers, who became famous for jazz interpretations of Bach.
• All of Les Double Six’s singing was in French, even when performing American jazz standards.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Lambert, Hendricks & Ross - Major stylistic influence; pioneered the vocalese style that Les Double Six mastered. (Sing a Song of Basie) [1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Dizzy Gillespie - Recorded a collaborative album featuring both the group and Gillespie's band. (Dizzy Gillespie and the Double Six of Paris (1963)) [1963]
• Bud Powell - Participated as a pianist on the collaborative album with Dizzy Gillespie. (Dizzy Gillespie and the Double Six of Paris (1963)) [1963]
• Kenny Clarke - Drummer on the collaborative album with Dizzy Gillespie. (Dizzy Gillespie and the Double Six of Paris (1963)) [1963]
• Quincy Jones - Les Double Six performed and recorded Jones's compositions. (Meet Quincy Jones (1960)) [1960]
• Christiane Legrand - Founding member and key vocalist; sister of Michel Legrand. (Multiple albums) [1959–1966]
• Ward Swingle - Member and arranger; later founded The Swingle Singers. (Multiple albums) [1959–1966]

Artists Influenced

• The Swingle Singers - Formed by former Double Six members, continuing and expanding the vocal jazz tradition. (Jazz Sébastien Bach (1963) and subsequent albums) [1960s–present]
• The Manhattan Transfer - Cited Les Double Six as a major influence on their approach to vocal jazz and vocalese. (Vocalese (1985)) [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. For Lena and Lennie (En Flânant Dans Paris) (The Essential)
2. Tickle-Toe (Le Racket Et Les Balles) (The Essential)
3. Rat Race (La Course Au Rat) (The Essential)
4. Doodlin' (Tout En Dodelinant) (The Essential)
5. Early Autumn (Finalement L'automne Est Arrivé) (The Essential)
6. A Night in Tunisia (Le Tapis Volant) (The Essential)
7. A Night in Tunisia
8. Stockholm Sweetin' (Un Coin Merveilleux) (The Essential)
9. Meet Benny Bailey (Au Bout Du Fil) (The Essential)
10. Naima (Naima) (The Essential)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia