Friday, February 15, 2013

CD Review: Various Artists' 'Vintage France'

Various Artists
Vintage France
Putumayo

The new Putumayo release, Vintage France, celebrates vintage French songs and musicians. There are twelve songs in all, which include twelve different singers, such as Juliette Greco, Patrick Nugier, Daniel Roure, Jean-Claude Laudat, Philippe Gautier, Asier Etxeandia, and many others. The music is highly-addictive and extremely pleasant throughout. There are whispy violins, classical piano, upbeat jazz melodies, and French pop constructions that are charming, easy-listening, and nostalgic. The rich rhythmic and melodic structures are especially appealing, along with the male and female vocals. There is a sense of class, exquisitive taste, and cafe sounds that certainly and adequately celebrate French chanson traditions. The not-so-common musicians on this album are not especially well-known in other parts of the globe, so do not expect to find Carla Bruni, Francois Hardy, Patricia Kaas, and Edith Piaf on this one. Nevertheless, I am always impressed by the musical concoctions discovered by the folks at Putumayo. This one ranks high up there. What a surprise! ~ Matthew Forss

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