A foray into all things French began with request to sing a French song for his grandfather on Bastille day 14th July 2002. Two years living in French speaking Switzerland, resulted in fluency and an invitation to perform at the Paris Burlesque festival in 2011. Ben Noir has a unique voice, an extraordinary vocal range and a performance style that crosses many genres. He possesses a resonant and powerful voice - with a falsetto range that would match most daring sopranos! Whether performing jazz standards with the band, singing opera (which he can also do while doing a handstand!), French cabaret or anything in between, the audience is always assured of being a part of a unique experience that resonates, amuses and entertains. "A totally unique, stylistic and sensual show… Highly recommended" Paul Capsis (Paris adventure – The Basement 2012) "I loved Ben’s energy during the festival... Can't wait to see … his own solo project" Kate Ceberano (Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2014) “ Ben, an entertaining singer… he should take the stage whenever she is off…”(Memoires of a showgirl with Shay Staffird at Slide Cabaret Lounge) John Shand SMH Album Credits: Ben Noir presents A French Cabaret. Ann Palumbo - sound engineer, music producer, arranger, cook, mother, psychologist, musician. Paul Laszlo - assistant engineer and technical support, musician and go to guy in a crisis. Ben Palumbo (Ben Noir) - co-producer, arranger and slightly temperamental artist. Stephane Marti - Swiss man, French speaker , doting husband, laughing man (track 4/10). Larry Hoofs - CD cover concept and guitar on track 4. Ali Marcer - graphic design CD cover and artiste exraordinaire. Don Bartley - Benchmark Mastering . Artists BEN PALUMBO (Ben Noir) vocal all tracks, piano and accordion track 12. Paolo Campanari/Brancondi – accordion teacher, legend and Italian man with a long man. .Jane Andino – piano and groovster. Inge Courtenay-Haentjes – violin and lovely lady. Ann Palumbo - guitar, mandolin, (track 7), double bass solos (track 4,7, 12) and backing vocals. Paul Laszlo - double bass fiend. Cameron Reid – drums/ percussion and rhythmical genius. Mary Vidovich - backing vocals on Autumn Leaves and funny lady. Recorded at PALMUSIC Studios Blue Mountains 2016 La Vie en Rose - spoken text (track 5) Nous voila, toute la famille réunie...pour certains séparés depuis plusieurs années. Tous réunis autour de mon grand père mourant. Le temps lui est compté. Me rappelant de sa chanson préférée, ma maman me dit qu'il est temps... Elle se saisis de sa guitare, et commence à jouer "la vie en rose". Alors que je l'accompagne en chantant, il expire son dernier soupir... Cet instant restera à jamais gravé dans ma mémoire...