Helena

Helena Noguerra speaks five languages, sings in three, is a popular TV presenter in France, has worked as a radio DJ, has published a novel, and does more than her fair share of modeling. Belgian born, Helena is part of the French retro pop movement called "minimalist variety" (similar to the American and English indie baroque pop scene), she was a member of a number of musical groups, including the moody downtempo act Ollano, whose self-titled album enjoyed a Stateside release. Then, Helena went solo with the sly Projet: Bikini before putting out Azul under her first name. Perhaps spurred on by the international success of such sonically similar artists as Italy's Carla Bruni and Brazil's Bebel Gilberto, Azul was released in the U.S. and received a warm critical response. A lovely combination of 1960s Parisian pop, bossa nova and modern electronica, Azul was produced by chill crowd favorite Bertrand Burgalat and features Noguerra's breathy vocals and witty faux naif lyrics in Portuguese, French and English. Her subsequent album, Nee Dans La Nature, downplays the electronics and has an even more pastoral feel than her previous work. Philippe Katerine, Noguerra's musical collaborator, has released a number of worthy albums under the band name Katerine.