Customer Reviews

Room With A View (Chambre Avec Vue)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is indeed an exquisite album--evoking the romance of Europe and France in particular, wonderful street cafes, jazzy nightspots...humorous, romantic, at times even beautiful, ideal cocktail party or late night music...EXCEPT for the very first track, which sticks out like a sore thumb, with an obnoxious "jazz" harmony vocal out of character with the rest of the disc and which, simply put, just grates. If you can stomach that one, the rest is pure bliss. I burned the CD to another disc, deleting the first track, and I've been in heaven ever since.

So many artists (and voices) get threadbare with age. Only a few are lucky enough to find a way to keep some of their old color or adapt with the times. Even more rare is the artist who, after a career of decent (but rarely great) output, produces a stunner. That is the case with "Chambre Avec Vue."

I know there are Salvador stalwarts out there who will protest my characterization of Henri as being generally just OK, and I agree he released several standout songs throughout his long career. But those standouts are watered down by so many recordings that are "just a bit too." Just a bit too sentimental. Just a bit too comical. Or just a bit too out-of-genre for Henri to carry. Salvador's early background in cabaret, his affection for a variety of musical styles, and his associations with a wide range of musical greats (everyone from Django Reinhardt to Quincy Jones) have resulted in an impressive (and no doubt enjoyable) but flawed career.

With "Chambre Avec Vue," Salvador has taken the best of what he does well and has improved on it by performing with more wisdom than whimsy, more expertise than experimentation, and more authentic sentiment than unselfconscious sappiness. I agree with another reviewer that the influence of Benjamin Biolay (who has been associated with a few really great albums lately) cannot be underestimated on this album. But regardless of who you think deserves the credit, this is truly an album for those who like nuanced, toasted jazz vocals. Yes, it's all in French, and the album is packed with more international influences (notably bossa nova) than the average jazz vocal album. But on "Chambre Avec Vue," Salvador sounds as relaxed as Bing Crosby, as seasoned as recent Tony Bennett, and as melancholy as Chet Baker. That adds up to a surprising and welcome addition to the Salvador oeuvre.

I cannot believe that no one else has reviewed this really wonderful album. Perfect for you who like mellow, simple voices and lovely, melancholy songs. If you find a wild violet from the yard and warm breezes across your naked body to be something great you will love this album.

This album is one of my all-time favorites. It is a must-have to enrich any smooth jazz collection.

For his undeniable contribution to Bossa Nova and Brazilian culture, Henri Salvador was awarded the Brazilian Order of Cultural Merit by none other than Gilberto Gil, the Minister of Culture, and Brazilian President Lula.

Henri Salvador, according to Tom Jobim, was the father, or at least precursor/godfather of the Bossa Nova movement. Jobim credits Salvador and his first hit song "Dans mon île" (1957; "Chega de Saudade" was released a year later) as inspiration for Bossa Nova.

Upon his return to liberated France from Brazil (whereto he had wisely decamped with Ray Ventura's orchestra), Salvador began his illustrious musical court jester career and only rarely reconnected with his original musical loves (jazz and ballads).

The musical court jester is not the "Room With A View-Henri Salvador". Instead we are presented with the ever young in heart and spirit jazz musician and singer Salvador, who, uncharacteristically, relinquishes composer duty on all but the last track (with another 60's icon, Francoise Hardy).

There are two world-class gems on this album: "Jardim" and "All I Really Want Is Love," a duet with Lisa Ekdahl. All the other tracks contribute to make this an excellent capsule of the essence of Henri Salvador, as its success (both artistic and financial, with over 2 million sold) can attest.

Having said that, it must be pointed out that all 14 tracks on the album are ballads, and that Henri Salvador's delivery sometimes flirts with the soporific. If an all-ballad album sung by an octogenarian is your cup of tea, you will love this album. If it sounds a little over the top, and you don't want to part with the money, but are still interested in Henri Salvador and/or quality music, I highly recommend, on this album, the individual track purchase of "Jardim" and "All I Really Want Is Love."

If you want music for a sultry day when you're sitting at a table under the sun with great company and just want to enjoy the moment with a jazzy background sound... this is for you! Think "sitting in the shade under an umbrella on a sunny afternoon at a little table on the sidewalk outside a corner cafe...."
ENJOY!
What an excellent voice ... really really great sounds!

This album is an amazing comeback for Henri Salvador. It was co-writen and produced by Benjamin Biolay. There is a whole web of work spinning out from Biolay from his work co-writing and orchastrating Karen Ann (think French Joni Mitchell or modern Francoiz Hardy) to his collaboration on his sister, Coralie Clement's album. Not to be ignored however is his solo work, Rose Kennedy and the amazing Negatif. If you dig the sounds on this album and you have the cash pick up Jet Sounds by Nicola Conte...

I bought this CD at the year of 2002 then had a period (3-4 yrs) didn't listen it. It's still being very nice when I took it out for listen today.