Search - Charles Aznavour :: Aznavour: Ses Plus Grands Succes

Voila, Le Maitre

Kyle W. Elsbernd | Janesville, WI United States | 01/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I recently "discovered" Charles Aznavour in the used vinyl section at a local second hand shop. There I occasionally find gems while picking through the weathered relics of bygone decades. The same shop once yielded a now-beloved Nana Mouskouri album from the sixties, with songs in French. My French is passable at best, but it's easy for me to pick up on the romanticism of post-war French popular music, a romanticism which is now largely passe, apart from serving as background music at Macaroni Grill or the Olive Garden. I just love songs in French. Anyway, the Aznavour album was packaged basically like an album by Perry Como or some other "popular singer" of the era, but I sensed from the extensive liner notes that the lyrics (all written by Aznavour himself) were the work of a true artist. I hoped that his voice would not prove as dated as the packaging. I took a chance. I was not disappointed.



The production value reminds me of the fore-mentioned Nana Mouskouri album of the sixties. Some of it sounds a little Austin Powers, a little swinging sixties, but I don't mind. Musicians from that era seem much more versatile, more well-versed in all kinds of music from all over the world. The featured musical fills, whether by violin, accordion, what-have-you, are so tasty, so expert that they're almost boring; you take them for granted. Then there is the heavy orchestration, the notorious 40 piece violin sections. Fortunately none of it overwhelms the man's delivery and songwriting skills. His singing style does not sound dated in the least. It sounds timeless. He is masculine and strong, but not overly so, like Sinatra, who to me often sounds ponderous and self-important,dated like a WWII relic. Aznavour's delivery is light, subtle and rich, passionate yet disciplined. He never borders on self-parody, like Sinatra often does. He never displays that cheesy/smarmy rat pack/Las Vegas/lounge style.



The man can swing. You will feel it. It will move you, and you will want to move to its rhythms. Without having delved too far into the lyrics, I can say that thematically they are generally what you would expect. Things that would sound trite or clichéd in English sound heart-breaking and, well, French in this music. He sings of being 20 and the bittersweet memory of a woman who left him in Venice. Of poor artists painting their nude lovers in Monmartre, of the flowers, cafes and bakeries in a city that is now gone as he returns as an old man. Sad clowns with smiling faces--that kind of thing. Don't worry, it's all in French, and actually rather poignant.



I see that Aznavour is still going strong at 81. Guys like this are coolest when their music is not considered cool. Give it a try. I would recommend "Que C'est Triste Venise," and "La Boheme" as representative. Be open-minded, because this man has the gift of the muse.

"

Great Voice, Great Music

J. Dunn | VA United States | 03/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the identical experience as the previous fellow. I watched the movie "The Trouble With Charlie" and was completely taken aback and intrigued by the Charles Aznavour tunes playing in the background. Although somewhat familiar with French cafe music, I must admit that I had never heard of this guy. All I can say is that after buying this CD I have become a fan for life. This is romantic music at it's best, the kind you want to play afterhours with your arm around your lady and a single malt in your hand. Utterly charming and uplifting, rendered by a master at the top of his game."