Customer Reviews

Rendezvous a Paris

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

 

 

I first heard this CD from a friend while studying abroad in France. I loved the compilation so much, that I actually purchased it from Starbucks when I returned to the States. If you are buying this CD only for Pink Martini, then move on as they only perform one song on here, (which I love, track 2 - Sympathique). Apparently the other reviewer did not know this before purchase! However, if you are looking for an intro to French music that moves beyond Edith Piaf, this is a good choice.

From the booklet, "We wanted to capture France's musical diversity with paris Combo's succulent jazz, Django Rinhardt's guitar miracles and Autour de Lucie's French alterna-rock in order to show a continuum of the traditional meeting the modern." I'm not a music aficianado, so I may incorrectly describe the music types, but here goes:

Most of the songs on this album have their roots in varying styles of jazz. The first track's rolicking melody will have you bouncing along while the next track will have you singing along in your best torchy cabaret impression. Track 3 comes from Les Negresses Vertes and features a more traditional "world music" flair. From here, the CD progresses through to what more people would consider "French" with an accordian track to songs from Yves Montand and Brigitte Bardot. The second half of the album introduces audiences to more modern pop rock musicians such as Autour de Lucie, Les Nubians and starts entering the territory of down-tempo with St. Germain.

My stand-out favorite on this album is track 13 - Garcon Glacon by April March. Her sweet and playful vocals pop against the brittle drum and strong organ-styled synths..

Track Listing:
1) Living Room - Paris Combo
2) Sympathique - Pink Martini
3) Leila - Les Negresses Vertes
4) Nuages - Django Reinhardt
5) Ca gaze - Baguette Quartette
6) Le jazz et la java - Yves montand
7) A la fin de l'ete - Brigitte Bardot
8) Le coeur qui jazze - France Gall
9) L'accord parfait - Autour de Lucie
10) Les portes du souvenir - Les Nubians
11) Qui reste-t-il de nos amours? - Jacky Terrasson
12) Tous les garcons et les filles - Francoise Hardy
13) Garcon Glacon - April March
14) What you think about - St. Germain

If you are familiar with other CD's from Pink Martini, this one isn't anything like it. Boring and unflattering. Would NOT recommend it!