American vocalist Bridgewater has lived in Paris off and on for over a decade now, and she has been hosting the NPR jazz program that originates there. This is quite a departure from her previous album of jazz vocals, and a huge improvement over her last one interpreting (and mutilating) Kurt Weill songs. The new CD is a tribute to her adopted country and like taking a cruise with her along the Siene. Some of the tunes are done straight Parisian cabaret style, Berthoumeux’s accordion aiding the impression, while others swing their way into a more active jazz style. Her voice is most engaging when she doesn’t try to slip into funk or soul styles but stays in the time-honored style of such predessors as Josephine Baker. Although a few of the tracks feature some of the lyrics in English, most are in French – as their titles would indicate – but no translations are provided.
Songs: J’ai deux amours (I Have Two Lovers), La Mer (Beyond the Sea), Ne me quitte pas, Mon homme (My Man), Et maintenant, Que reste-t’il de nos amours, Dansez sur moi (Girl Talk), La belle vie (The Good Life), Avec le temps, La vie en rose, Les feuilles mortes.
– John Henry