Customer Reviews

Raquel Bitton Sings Edith Piaf - Volume 1, The Golden Album

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Until today, I was unaware of Raquel Bitton. I was in a music store and saw this album on an audio previewer. I am familiar with and like Edith Piaf. So, I sat down and turned this album on. It brought tears to my eyes. I immediately bought it and came home and played it to compare with actual Piaf recordings. Bitton is like a reincarnated Piaf to me.

If you're tired, stressed out, sick of your job and need a vacation, but can't quite swing a ticket to Paris at the moment, do the next best thing and pick up any CD by Raquel Bitton. I would suggest starting with "Raquel Bitton Sings Edith Piaf." This album reminds us that, once upon a time, music really could transport us to another world--that beautiful lyrics (no matter what the language)--could tell a complete story of love, longing, betrayal, triumph and joy--and that there are still singers who can, without the aid of electronic enhancement, use their spectacular voices to stir our deepest emotions. My favorite selection in this particular collection is "Le Chemin Des Forains" ("The Gypsies Path"). If ever there was a song to bring you out of the doldrums--or at least out of your chair--this is the one. But beware, after listening to it you may be sorely tempted to dump that old job and join "The Gypsies...That left...in the night..." Just be sure to pack all your Raquel Bitton CD's to take on the road with you.

Raquel Bitton is a wonderful and most unique talent. On this album, she performs the very best that Edith Piaf had to offer.
When you think about the fact that Piaf recorded about 400 songs, that is a formidable statement.

What I loved about this disc is that the quality of the songs-and the musicianship is beyond reproach.

I was smitten with the first bars of the disc. I recognized immediately that the essence of Edith Piaf not only lived on, but in a voice that was individual; yet I recognized how much Raquel absolutely loved this music. She completely captures the essence that is Edith Piaf!

For those of you who are Piaf junkies, don't even hesitate. Just put it in the cart. For those of you that are borderline, I invite you to take a listen and then try to resist.

What Raquel Bitton has...is talent. Don't miss out. And remember, I told you so!

Raquel Bitton brings such warmth and character to the songs of Edith Piaf. A rare treat is tract 12, "LaFoule", it is a spanish song that Piaf interperted in French. Bitton is glorious in her version of the song. This is a CD that you will listen to over and over again. If you ever have a chance to see Ms Bitton perform, go see her. She is also wonderful on the stage. We are lucky to have someone such as Raquel Bitton to bring life to this outstanding music. Listen and enjoy.

I'm sorry to disappoint John Richard Keistler, but as the orchestrator of Raquel Bitton's album, I must assure you that we recorded it "live" in the studio with Raquel and the entire orchestra present. Maybe John should stick to reviewing his cook books.

Raquel Bitton's tribute to Edith Piaf is perfect, in every way. Her interpretations are unique and heartfelt. Her voice is deep and sultry and so moving. I love her in tandem with the acoustic guitar on "Cri du Coeur" and with Guitar and Harmonica in "Les neiges de Finlande." Anyone that reviews this CD as anything but superb has obviously his own agenda, almost a personal vendetta, a jealousy for someone so blessed with an extraordinary voice like Raquel Bitton. I looked into her website and read how EDITH PIAF'S own composers and authors endorsed Raquel Bitton's tribute because of its tremendous quality. I read she is starring in "Lionsgate Filmss", movie "Piaf..Her story..Her songs". I can hardly wait to see it!

Thank goodness Raquel Bitton has taken up the cause for reviving Edith Piaf's mystique and talent as a singer and a performer. Although Edith Piaf (1915-1963) is a popular name in the French music genre, her special performing talent is at risk for suffocation, especially for the generations who have grown up without knowing much about the amazing person Piaf was during her hey-day. Bitton's revival of Piaf's life and work is an accompaniment to the feature length movie of the same name now showing in artist circles and film festivals. It's Bitton's passion to keep the candle of the little sparrow's memory alive, a feat she easily takes on as her repertoire of Piaf's songs is lively, charming and portrays a deep understanding for the way Piaf would like to be remembered in her music. Raquel Bitton returns Piaf to life, as though the singer never left us prematurely in 1963. Although Piaf's hallmark La Vie en Rose is one of the selections on this CD, the sparkle in this rendition of Piaf's work comes through Bitton's selections of other highly entertaining songs, especially Mon Dieu, an invocation evocative of Piaf's painful biography. I highly recommend Bitton's portrayal of Piaf's songs, especially for those who enjoy chantons en française.

Raquel Bitton,I wish it were possible for me to express in words how much I appreciate your efforts in recording the Edith Piaf songs.
I think that even if I had not read the introduction insert wich came with the CD,it still would have been apparent it was quite a labor of love.
I'm sure that on countless occasions you have heard it described in terms beyond MAGNIFIQUE and in much more eloquent words that I am capable. What I would like to relate to you however,is that not only those of us who lack the talent stand in awe of yours,but we are also most grateful for the extraordinary effort you have put into this treasured "Objet d'art".
In hopes you "keep up the good work".
alfred Crumpton
Houston,Texas

Raquel Bitton,I wish it were possible for me to express in words how much I appreciate your efforts in recording the Edith Piaf songs.
I think that even if I had not read the introduction insert wich came with the CD,it still would have been apparent it was quite a labor of love.
I'm sure that on countless occasions you have heard it described in terms beyond MAGNIFIQUE and in much more eloquent words that I am capable. What I would like to relate to you however,is that not only those of us who lack the talent stand in awe of yours,but we are also most grateful for the extraordinary effort you have put into this treasured "Objet d'art".
In hopes you "keep up the good work".
alfred Crumpton
Houston,Texas

I listened your CD and I just want to say that you sang some of the Piaf's greatest hits with your LOVELY TENDER AND BEAUTIFUL VOICE. You inspire the same spirit that Piaf when you sing,nobody in the world can get that magic but you did it, you gave me the key to a new world because you introduce me to Edith Piaf I will always be glad for that, YOU ARE AN ANGEL SINGING WITH LOVE