Lisette Jambel "Le Petit Chaperon Rouge" (Mariane Melodie)
A playful, songbirdish singer who dances atop brisk orchestrations in deft, precise vocal fillips... It's easy to picture the chirpy Mlle. Jambel gamboling about in a flowing gown, singing these flowery tunes in a film while waltzing or capturing the spotlight with her smile; there's a bouncy, dancelike feel to her work, a cheerful enthusiasm that's quite attractive. She is backed by various orchestras, notably those of George Briez, Marius Coste, Jack Ledru, Jacques-Henry Rys and, on one tune, Raymond Legrand; in each case the bandleader seems perfectly willing to match his arrangements to her style, although on a few tunes a brassy big-band vibe comes through. This disc covers 1946-61 -- I'd love to hear more!
Lucien Jeunesse "A La Francaise" (Marianne Melodie, 2007)
Jaunty comedic/romantic vocals, with arrangements that dip into both sweet-band and big-band swing. Kinda fun, and thankfully not very syrupy. Worth a spin!
Marie Jose "Tangos Et Chansons Rares" (Marianne Melodie)
Marie Jose "Vous Que J'aimais" (Marianne Melodie)
A 2-CD set...
Marie Jose "Ses Plus Belles Chansons D'Amour " (Forlane)
Georges Jouvin "100 Titres D'Or" (Marianne Melodie)
A 4-CD set from the Harry James of France... Mellow, mostly instrumental music featuring trumpet player Georges Jouvin, often with a sleepy organ and modest orchestral accompaniment. Actually, I take back the Harry James comparison -- this music is far more lethargic than James' poppy big band sound, and far more limited. I mean, really: anyone who can transform "Rum And Coca-Cola" into a boring lounge tune is doing something remarkably wrong. Maybe the "sound library" set can find something to celebrate here, but they'd really be stretching it, if you ask me.
More Chanson > Letter "K"
French Music Index
French Rock & Pop
