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 Records)
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.
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