Chic Gamine is definitely not your grandma’s a cappella group. In fact, the band, composed of vocalists Alexa Dirks, Andrina Turenne, Annick Bremault, Ariane Jean and drummer Sacha Daoud, isn’t sure how to classify themselves.

“Classification is so weird,” said Dirks. “We don’t want to call ourselves ‘eclectic’ or say that we’re what you want us to be, because it just sounds like we don’t know what we are.”

Let’s just say Chic Gamine is like a powerful spice blend. There’s a large dose of soul and chanson, a bit of roots and pop, and a dash of R&B. Classification aside, the evocative and raw voices of the women of Chic Gamine are sure to tear at your heartstrings.

Chic Gamine performed at the West End Cultural Centre on Saturday, Nov. 13, debuting their newest album to the vocalists’ hometown. Their enthusiasm to be back in Winnipeg was infectious.

“We’ve been longing for that good old, sweet Winnipeg loving,” said Daoud, in his charming French accent.

Daoud hails from Montreal, where half of the band now lives. The title of their second album, City City, illustrates the split between the two cities.
Though this split seems like it would pose a challenge to the band, they don’t see it as such.

“The distance doesn’t matter,” said Dirks. “We are working on the level that we just want to play together and keep growing as a band. We’re all in it for the long haul, whatever that means.”

Chic Gamine has already grown immensely since their Juno award-winning self-titled debut. The album was the product of a spontaneous recording in a little barn studio in Quebec.

“We were all flying by the seats of our pants,” said Dirks. “But it was what it needed to be for that time.”

City City is more diverse than its predecessor, taking liberty with the use of percussion and vocal range. But neither albums do the band justice when seen live. Not only are their voices more powerful and lively, the band dynamic adds to the experience.

The band’s intimate bond and each of their strong personalities shine through.

The audience was charmed by Daoud’s French humour – he joked about wanting a bigger vocal role before the band played Automatic Pilot, the one song in which he takes lead vocals. 

“I thought that since I sang one song on the first album that this would grow for the second album,” said Daoud. “I made the girls sign a contract that says I get to sing my one song at every show.”

As the group crooned I Don’t Lie, the women clasped their hands and batted their eyes, winning over the audience with every syllable.

But don’t fret – if you missed the charm of Chic Gamine this time, they’ll be back in December to play the Winter Survival Series at the Pyramid with Moses Mayes.

If their voices don’t help you keep warm throughout the winter, nothing will.

Visit www.chicgamine.com.

Published in Volume 65, Number 12 of The Uniter (November 18, 2010)