Customer Reviews

Ma Pomme

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's unlikely that anyone who remembers Maurice Chevalier is able-bodied enough to surf the internet and glide into this review. Younger surfers may like to know that he was possibly the best-known French entertainer of his day, making recordings, films and live appearances during a very long career on both sides of the Atlantic, a career beginning in the Folies-Bergère and extending to films of the 50s and 60s such as "Gigi". Naxos have launched a welcome Nostalgia series, introducing amongst others Maurice Chevalier (1888-1972) to C21 audiences. To sample the special naughty, chuckling, bonhomie in his voice, listen to some of the early tracks. Avoid the first track, "My Potato", which seems to be transferred from a badly worn source, but enjoy especially the French saxophone-enriched backing provided by Paris studio orchestras of the 1930s.

The recent Naxos line of "Nostalgia" CDs has been increased by one: <"Ma Pomme": Chansons 1935-1946> (8.120508) with the irrepressible Maurice Chevalier. As is the case with Gracie Fields and Frank Crumit, who also are represented in this series, Chevalier is an example of style over vocal ability. Personally I would rather hear him than see him--.... But there is no denying the charm of his voice, especially when he is not overly insinuating some amorous aspect of the lyrics with that twist of his voice that became his trademark.

Here we have a generous 18 tracks of songs, most of which are not very familiar to American audiences: "Donnez-moi la main," "Notre espoir," "Place Pigalle," among others. The one you will recognize is a French version of Carmen Miranda's "Mama eu quiero," so often parodied by comedians both human (Jerry Lewis) and cartoon (Bugs Bunny). There are some background notes, including dates, composers and label numbers for each recording. A welcome addition to any collection of European popular music.