I’m generally not a big fan or re-issueing albums that were originally self-released or saw a limited local release. I figure it’s been out in the marketplace, had it’s shot and didn’t make it. Why give it another chance? Then again something as unusual and original as Rupa and the April Fishes debut Extraordinary Rendition should definitely get a second crack.
Rupa is a Californian woman of Indian and French descent. She’s a Doctor in real life in San Fransisco, but in her rich fantasy world of gypsys, carnivals and gay Paris she’s a band leader of a group of traveling peasants known as the april fishes. The band is top notch – just listen to the bass in the intro to “Une Americaine” or the violin solo in the middle of “C’est Moi”. Rupa’s voice contains all the mystery and passion of the Caucuses and all the romance of a French chanteuse. Like I said, this deserves a wider audience than the 2007 self-release it originally got. So this April the record is available through World Music label and distributor Cumbancha. Check out these two songs from Extraordinary Rendition.
Une Americaine A Paris
C’est Moi
The really cool video for “Une Americaine A Paris”