About

Bébé La La

Bio

Celebrating 15 years of performing and recording together!

Formed in 2010, Bébé La La combines Maryse Lapierre’s French influences with Alicia Ultan’s original folk inspired “art” songs, and over the years they have developed a unique and lovely repertoire that highlights their signature “stunning” harmonies. They received three nominations and two awards at the 2016 New Mexico Music Award for their debut release, High Wire (one for Ultan’s song “Sister Sister” in the Singer-Songwriter category and one for her song “Ruins” in the Native American Music category.  That album features guest musicians such as renowned trumpeter Bobby Shew and New York based jazz saxophonist Javon Jackson, and described by music and art writer James Mahoney as: “Wild-Alternative-Magic! Hearing this music is, strangely, like opening up a new set of Tarot cards-with very new images: wild re-structurings of the dramas in each of the cards, so that both vital mystery and authentic emotion-along with a symbol system-are all living in an advanced beauty.“

In November 2022, Bébé La La released their sophomore CD, A Curious Series of Unexpected Events, at a concert celebration presented by AMP Concerts at FUSION Theater in Albuquerque to a full house. Recorded at the Wall of Sound Studio by John Wall (as was their debut release, High Wire), the album features ten original songs, seven of which were nominated for New Mexico Music Awards, and two of which won awards, including Ultan’s song “Rosie” in the Singer-Songwriter category and “Magic Hour” for Best Vocal Performance.  An overarching theme of “time” and the unexpectedness of life threads the eclectic collection of songs together on the new CD, which addresses some of the events of the past few years as well as personal struggles and more, the album features Arnaldo Acosta on drums and Mike Fox, Royce Platero and Miky Patten on bass, plus several guest musicians including Cesar Bauvallet (trombone; arranger); Paul Gonzales (trumpet); Frank Leto (steel pan); Kalin Noboa (pan pipes); Joseph Altamirano (charango); Claudio Tolousse (guitar/sitar); Alicia’s twin sister, Jaqueline Ultan (cello); and Laura Di Mauro (guitar). 

Mel Minter of Musically Speaking writes in his review of the album, “Earworms abound, and the inescapable melodies are animated by beguiling vocal harmonies and the complementary way the voices of Ultan and Lapierre interlock sonically. They take advantage of the studio to braid multiple voices (or violas) in places to heart-swelling effect!”

Bébé La La continues to draw audiences with their thoughtful, playful and timely songs as well as their fun, endearing and memorable performances. They have performed throughout Albuquerque and surrounding areas, including the Outpost Performance Space, the International Balloon Fiesta, The Balloon Museum, AMP Concerts Casa Flamenca series (and other AMP events), The Regional Arts Council of Truth or Consequences, NM, Albuquerque Old Town and at many other venues.  They are available to perform as just the duo or with the full band for a wide variety of settings.