Author: Brel, Jacques

Format: Import

Release Date: 01-14-1998

Details: Amazon.ca While Brel was a big record seller, he was above all—and everyone who saw him on stage will tell you so—a stage animal. It was, in fact, thanks to a show producer, Jacques Canetti (the heart and soul of the "Trois Baudets" in Pigalle), that he signed with Philips in 1953. The latter would manage his career until both men left the Dutch-owned record label in 1962. Just before Canetti intervened, Brel performed at the Olympia in October 1961. In this venue where Bruno Coquatrix mixed all styles (Johnny Hallyday had just performed there for the first time in September, and Dalida would follow in November), Brel put on one of his finest shows. Not yet at his peak, he sang with the energy of someone who has yet to conquer. Already armed with a solid repertoire, he performed hit after hit: "Les Flamandes," "Marieke," "La Valse à mille temps," "Ne me quitte pas," "Le Moribond" (not yet adapted into English by Terry Jacks as "Seasons in the Sun")... If two EPs were released in addition to the LP (the term "album" wasn't used yet), it is mainly because Brel debuted many new songs during this Olympia show: "Les Bourgeois," "Madeleine," "Zangra," "Les Paumés du petit matin," "La Statue," "Les Singes" (which would later be released in studio versions, but on the Barclay label). "A Waltz with 1,000 bravos" was the headline one could read in the press the next day... Forty years later, and for at least two reasons, one can only double the praise. --A.B.

UPC: 042281672729

EAN: 0042281672729

Languages: English

Binding: Audio CD

Item Note: From a library collection

Item Condition: UsedVeryGood