For all Jean-Jacques fans;-)
Flora M. Bouteiller | FRANCE | 06/21/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you love JJG you will love this two-CD album too, as it redelivers the tour he gave in 2002. Not only does he play and sing most of his latest album's songs (Chansons Pour Les Pieds), but he also gives new interpretations of old favorites from the eighties like Petite Fille or Veiller Tard. The main difference with his former live albums is that in this one, he truly makes his audience a part of his music and the whole ambiance of the concert. For instance there is an entire track devoted to rehearsing with the audience their "part" for certain songs, and it's pretty cool.
Another aspect that strikes me everytime I listen to it is the transitions between the songs, that are really well-thought. For instance the introduction of "Ensemble" is a simple flute melody which comes from the end of the previous song (Tournent les Violons) which gradually weaves into the opening theme of Ensemble. And this is true for many songs and transitions.
Also, the much-missed Carol Frederick who passed away in 2001, was present in the concert with her voice and her picture on the slides shown. I think Jean-Jacques and his band gave her a real tribute in this concert.
From the opening song (Je Marche Seul) to the closing one (Puisque Tu Pars), both with his solo voice and guitar, the concert just spans too quickly and is well wrapped-up.
Finally I would say JJG made great song choices, and the combination between the "old songs" and the newer ones was just right. I was present at his concert and I must say that this album was for me, almost like a second concert :-)"
Incroyable, "et Carole etait la"
Flora M. Bouteiller | 07/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I bought this CD on a bit of whimsy ("I have most everything else...mais pourquoi pas?") I had no idea how good it was.....it was hard to imagine surpassing the studio version of "chansons pur les pieds" or the earlier FGJ work....especially "en pluriel." This set really is unbelievable, and hasn't left the Car CD player yet. As another reviewer wrote, the album works on a number of levels:--First and foremost, JJG's music is fabulous, regardless of whether you know enough french to understand the words. My 7 year old son knows all the tunes, and it never fails to put a smile on his face.-(previous reviewer also noted) great balance in the songlist between earlier works and "Chansons" --The band is really TIGHT. The renditions of the songs were great, and surpassed much of the studio work. Also, I have come to think any band that has Michael Jones in it will be fabulous.--There's no question the gigs were exciting, and JJG has immense rapport with his audience--The album is fun! The packaging is great (love the illuminated slideshow)--The spirit of Carole Fredericks was much in evidence, and their tribute very touching."
A wonderful introduction to Jean-Jacques Goldman
smbook | Stevens Point, WI United States | 01/17/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When I visited France for the first time in the summer of 2003, I saw Jean-Jacques on TV performing "Et L'on N'y Peut Rien," and I knew I had to have the CD. After I returned home it was the ONLY CD I listened to for four months. It never got boring and it never failed to satisfy. It always put me in a good mood. (It remains one of my favorite CDs.) You don't have to know French to appreciate this CD. (I only know a little.) Let the words of the most beautiful language in the world wash over you. Listen to the instrumental accompaniment. Un Tour Ensemble can be appreciated on so many levels. My only regret is that I wasn't at the concert where it was recorded."
Track Listings (10) - Disc #1