The Hottentots

Carl Cleves & Parissa Bouas

Australia’s definitive coffee house couple, Flemish born nomad and author Carl Cleves and Greek-Australian songbird, Parissa Bouas, are modern troubadours.  With heart wrenching ballads, rousing choruses and gripping stories, The Hottentots’ 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 original repertoire could be classified as folk, jazz, 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.

Carl and Parissa’s stunning discography boasts 12 albums and numerous awards: MUSICOZ – Best Folk;  ASA – Best Lyrics,  Best Folk;  NCEIA – Best Album (twice)

‘**** genuinely genre-busting…amazing songs’ Bruce Elder SMH

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Music & live video

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  1. 1
    Mother's Song 3:41
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    The Bethlehem bell ringer 5:19
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    Party At My House 4:31
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    The Coniston Massacre 5:35
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    Four Extraordinary Days 4:26
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    Don't Trust The Enemy 4:08
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    Dear Melanie 3:31
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    Graceful 3:39
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    Baby Blue 3:59
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    Dim Dim Culture 3:41
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Press photos

Press / Reviews

“a wonderfully textured quilt of beautiful and meaningful songs”

— Trad and Now Magazine

“Australia’s definitive coffeehouse couple meld a satchel of styles and instruments into something all their own—upbeat yet timely and moving ” - Steve Barnes

— Director Fairbridge Festival

“Parissa has a voice that would aggravate angels with its beauty” - PHILIP ADAMS

— ABC Radio National

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