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The Iota Club takes on a continental flavor Monday with the avant-pop "Franco-lounge" sounds of Marianne Dissard and Na?m Amor.

The musicians have much in common. Both sing in their native French and have worked on CDs produced by Joey Burns of the renowned alternative rock act Calexico. The two frequently collaborate in the studio and onstage. Perhaps their being married to each other enhances their musical compatibility (or vice versa).

LA Weekly has praised Marianne Dissard's singing for a "lovely, mournful lilt," calling her style "a sort of Parisian blues." (By Marianne Dissard) 2006 Voters Guide Growth, Traffic Top List Of Issues Shared Views in Leesburg Contest Plan for High School Highlights Concerns Familiar Faces, Uncertain Future Proposed Resort Remains Topical More Stories Save & Share Tag This Article  Saving options 1. Save to description:  Headline (required)  Subheadline 2. Save to notes (255 character max):  Subheadline  Blurb  None 3. Tag This Article

Dissard is recording her debut solo album, "Entre Deux," with producer Burns, who also supplies melodies for her lyrics on eight songs (Amor composed the remaining three tunes). The CD, due later this year, will feature Calexico's John Convertino on drums, Burns and Amor on guitar, and Rob Burger (Tin Hat Trio) on piano and accordion.

The chanteuse is already familiar to Calexico fans for singing a duet with Burns on the group's song "Ballad of Cable Hogue." The French-born, Tucson-bred Dissard -- see http://www.myspace.com/mariannedissard -- has also written lyrics for Giant Sand's Howe Gelb, her husband and Francoiz Breut.

Dissard is a true multimedia artist who has written poetry that was published in American and European magazines, and she made documentary films on such subjects as music, artist Robbie Conal, teens who drive lowriders and the Dublin music scene. During the 2004 presidential election, Dissard helped found a group called the Tucson Suffragettes, which sought to bring new voters to the polls.

This year, LA Weekly praised Dissard's work for what the publication called its "lovely, mournful lilt, a sort of Parisian blues."

"Even those of us who don't speak French cannot help but be touched by the stark beauty of her phrasing."

The Parisian Amor -- see http://www.amormusic.com -- enlisted the production help of John Parish for his first album, "Mistake Love" (2004), and Burns for his second, "Sanguine" (2005), which also featured Calexico drummer Convertino. The sound is a mix of seductive French lyrics, brooding ballads and a sultry, alternative jazz/neo-lounge vibe.

Amor's previous incarnation, in the Amor Belhom Duo, also saw him collaborating with Calexico on the album "ABBC." He has toured with the band as well. He is recording a series of instrumental albums: "Soundtracks: Volume One" (FILMguerrero, 2001) and "Soundtracks: Volume Two" (Howe Gelb's Owom Records, 2004). He has recorded with Devotchka, Neko Case and others.

-- MARIANNE MEYER

The Iota Club & Cafe is at 2832 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington.

Admission to Monday's show is $10, payable at the door (tickets are not sold in advance). Patrons must be 21 or older with valid ID. For more information call 703-522-8340, or visithttp://www.iotaclubandcafe.com.

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