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Product Description
Content Introduction "Absolutely wonderful. That's how singing should be!" -- Juliette Gr?co The voice that Gr?co praised and that Pierre Barouh fell in love with. Album Contents In 1999, at a chanson festival for discovering new talent, Claire Elzi?re sang Juliette Gr?co's repertoire song "To a Beautiful Star" in front of Gr?co herself and was praised as "absolutely wonderful." This album is the third in a series of albums featuring chanson standards. "The appeal of standard numbers is that the melodies are so beautiful. Chansons are inherently filled with emotion in their melody and lyrics. That's why I don't want to use theatrical expressions when I sing. I try to sing restrainedly so that the beauty of the melody comes through and the lyrics resonate honestly in the heart," she comments, and as she says, this album is very appealing because of her straightforward and unpretentious singing, and the original goodness of each song comes through perfectly. The album features a collection of timeless classics, ranging from songs that have been sung across generations, such as "Under the Bridges of Paris" and "The Soul of a Poet," to "Non je ne je ne" (Let it go), made famous by Edith Piaf; "My Beautiful Love Story," a staple in Barbara's repertoire; "A Man and a Woman," with lyrics by Pierre Barouh (who passed away in 2016; Claire released three albums on the label "Saravah," founded by Pierre Barouh); a vocal version of the Paul Mauriat Grand Orchestra's hit "Love is Blue"; and even a French version of "His and Her Sonnets," a hit covered by Tomoyo Harada and Taeko Onuki. The performance features accordion virtuoso Daniel Colin, up-and-coming accordionist Christophe Lampidechia (whom Daniel himself has taken notice of), as well as Paris Musette pioneer Dominique Kravick and acclaimed violinist Mathilde Febvre. Their emotionally rich playing further enhances Claire's singing. This ambitious work was created to shed the "grain" of classic songs and breathe new life into them. Participating musicians: Claire Herzi?re (vocals), Dominique Kravick (guitar), Daniel Colin (accordion/tracks 1 and 14), Christophe Lampidechia (accordion), Gregory Vu (piano), Mathilde Febvler (violin), Laurent Lacher (double bass), Bertrand Auger (clarinet) Tracks included: 1. Sous les ponts de Paris (Under the Bridges of Paris) A chanson written in 1913. It is about people who make their living under the bridges. The double accordion ensemble of Daniel Colin and Christophe Lampidechia is a highlight. 2. Paris Canaille (Parisian Scoundrel) The original title is "Paris Canaille". Canaille means gangster or thug. A work from 1953. The fast-paced performance is a highlight. 3. L'?me des po?tes (The Soul of Poets) This is the theme song from the movie "Love in the Afternoon." It's a song by Charles Tournet, and the melody is very moving. 4. J'attendrai (I'll Wait) This song, written in 1933, has also been covered by Lucienne Dolielle and Dalida. Dominique's guitar strokes are cool and wonderful. 5. Sans toi ma mie (No, You're Myself) Claire adds harmonies to the vocals of Gregory Vu on piano. It's a song by Salvatore Adamo, and was also a hit when sung by Fubuki Koshiji. 6. C'est si bon (It's Just Right) This song, a worldwide hit, was written in 1947. Mathilde's violin solo in the interlude is wonderful. 7. Sous les toits de Paris (Under the Roofs of Paris) This is the theme song from the movie of the same name directed by Ren? Clair. Claire's singing voice deeply touches the heart. 8 T'en va pas (His and Her Sonnet) Also known in Japan as "Adagio of Sorrow." The piano, accordion, and violin ensemble is beautifully done and enhances the vocals. 9 Un homme et une femme (A Man and a Woman) The theme song from the film of the same name, with lyrics by Pierre Barouh and music by Francis Lai. Sung as a duet with pianist Gregory Vu. 10 L'amour est bleu (Love is Blue) This song, composed by Andr? Popp, was sung by Vicky in 1967 and became a huge hit the following year when Paul Mauriat performed it with his orchestra. 11 Non, je ne regrette rien (Forgive Me Nothing) A 1956 work and one of Edith Piaf's signature pieces. Claire's passionate singing is a highlight. 12 M?nilmontant (Menilmontant) A work by Charles Tournet. Mathilde's violin playing adds a wonderful touch. 13 Ma plus belle histoire d'amour (My most beautiful love story) A signature piece of Barbara's repertoire, and also a hit when sung by Kumiko. Claire's heartfelt singing is superb. 14 Mademoiselle de Paris (Lady of Paris) A 1948 work, known as one of Jacqueline Fran?ois's signature songs. Claire's slightly melancholic singing touches the heart. ?? Bonus Track 15 Passion (Passion) This track is instrumental. A famous musette song performed by Daniel Colin and Christophe Lampidechia as an accordion duo. *Tracks 5 and 9: Sung by Claire Elzi?re and Gr?gorie Vu. *Track 15: Accordion duo by Daniel Colin and Christophe Lampidecchia. This track is the only instrumental. Media Reviews and More: Praised by Juliette Gr?co, this is the third installment of Claire Elzi?re's collection of classic chansons, carrying on the tradition of good old chansons! The album showcases Claire's pure and straightforward singing voice, supported by the emotionally rich performances of masterful Daniel Colin and up-and-coming accordionist Christophe Lampidecchia, and the exhilarating violin melodies of Mathilde Febvre! A definitive chanson album packed with highlights! From "C'est si bon" and "Sans toi mamie" to "My Beautiful Love Story," made famous by Barbara, Edith Piaf's repertoire piece "Non je ne je ne" and "Amour le ois"?timeless classics delivered with wonderful vocals. (C)RS