Performs Tom Waits

In a celebrated yet relatively obscure short film from the 1950s, the filmmaker Orson Welles traversed the streets of London attired as a street musician in unconventional costumes, bearing a plethora of musical instruments under the discerning gaze of numerous characters, also portrayed by Welles himself. The unwavering, one-man band has been reborn in the form of L'Orchestre d'Hommes-Orchestres, albeit in a considerably more substantial manner.  The ensemble comprises six musicians (four men and two women) who have been touring internationally for several years, performing a variety of shows. However, their presentation at this year's Festival de Otoño, entitled Performs Tom Waits is particularly noteworthy. The presentation of this show marked their international debut. The project, which combined music, performance, street art and other urban actions, had been in progress for approximately six years when Performs Tom Waits was first presented in 2008. This was accompanied by a milk van performance, a video of a performance and the musical Tintammare caravane. Subsequently, they have presented 20 productions in over 80 cities across approximately 20 countries. 

It is not sufficient to merely listen to them. You must see them. This is not a conventional cover band of one of the myths of US American music, the singer (and actor and songwriter) with the heartbreaking voice and melancholy melodies. No. L'Orchestre d'Hommes-Orchestres plays, performs, creates in a small, confined space, which makes them appear colourful, rubbing against each other, interrupting each other as they play their conventional instruments and the so-called found instruments, like those objects trouvés or ready-made of the artistic tradition: unclassifiable objects that they transform into musical instruments through a mere unusual intervention. For example: suitcases that open and close to produce a certain sound; a Bible that is tapped to give rhythm to one of the songs. The range of inventions is extensive, encompassing almost a hundred examples that evoke the atmosphere of a musical circus or carnival.

The ensemble explores the extensive oeuvre of Tom Waits, reinterpreting his compositions as a harmonious and rhythmic symphony. "We approach the music of others with a high level of respect, while still maintaining our own artistic vision," states Bruno Bouchard, the band's vocalist and multi-instrumentalist. “While the majority of the songs are recognisable, the band has exercised artistic licence in their interpretation.” L'Orchestre d'Hommes-Orchestres employs a combination of humour, madness and extravagance to engage the audience in a journey through US American culture, using the rhythmic elements of jazz, blues, rock, hip hop and poetry.