Best From France

Singer and songwriter Charles Aznavour is a legend throughout the world for his particularly modern brand of French song. Not only do his only his many recordings attest to his longevity, but the evidence also lies in the plethora of songs covered by other artists. This live date is actually compiled from three days in June at Paris' famed Olympia Theatre, stage to Piaf, Brel, Trenier, Ferré, Patricia Kaas, Maurice Chevalier, and many others. The program is basically a 20-tune run-though of Aznavour's hits and favorites, all either written or co-authored by him. Opening the disc is a rather frivolous "Le Chanson du Fauborg," but it's a canard; it's simply a lead-in to the bittersweet ballad "Ne T'en Fais Pass," in which Aznavour pours out his silk heart for the first time of the evening. It's full of those long, sweeping lines where the words are merely a series of held notes and the effect is chilling. The orchestra, conducted by Peter Lee, does a thoroughly modern yet very elegant job of keeping balances and performances to script. There is little break between tunes, save for a smattering of applause as Aznavour, the master of milking a crowd, without introductions, just lets the honey flow: "Par Gourmandaise," "Avant la Guerre," "Comme il Dissent," "La Boheme," "Les Deaux Guitars," "Et Moi dans Mon Coin," and of course, "Les Amours Médicales." There are more, but fans of the singer will know these are obvious crowd-pleasers worked into a dynamic set that shows off all of Aznavour's considerable abilities. The other tracks here aren't forgettable, they just don't stand out in their dramatic presentations the way these do. For a late date, Aznavour is in fine control of his vocals and his material. Highly recommended.