Australia’s definitive coffee house couple, Flemish born nomad Carl Cleves and Greek-Australian songbird Parissa Bouas are modern troubadours. With heart wrenching ballads, rousing choruses and gripping stories, Carl & Parissa's’ genre-busting songs have riveted audiences from Berlin to Brazil. Classic folk melodies combine with exceptional lyrics and an international flavour, that features Parissa’s ‘sweet, rich and soaring’ vocals, and polished percussion with Carl’s warm rustic baritone and unique guitar style. Their unique original repertoire could be classified as folk, jazz, blues, or world music, but in truth is a seductive blend of all. Intimate, meaningful, political, playful, personal, poetic and powerful. The magical synergy of their live show, the warmth, playfulness and joy that they bring to the audience, is something to be experienced.
Their latest CD, 'Halos 'round the Moon' has just been released on renowned German label, Stockfisch Records, to widespread critical acclaim. Their first Stockfisch release was ‘Out of Australia’ before which they released 4 independent albums. Carl and Parissa’s stunning discography boasts 12 albums and numerous awards: MUSICOZ – Best Folk; ASA – Best Lyrics, Best Folk; NCEIA – Best Album (twice), Best Folk, Best Acoustic, Best Adult Contemporary, Song of the Year (2012).
Carl & Parissa have played all major Australian folk festivals, including Woodford, Port Fairy, Blue Mountains, NFF, and top venues: The Basement, Brisbane Powerhouse, KULCHA, The Boite VIC… They tour Europe and Latin America regularly, playing cultural centres, theatres, churches, museums, wineries, schools, restaurants, clubs, tv, radio and cafes.
“exceptionally well written music and lyrics, beautifully arranged and superbly performed”
Australian Songwriter Magazine