CCMusic.com

Juliette Gréco is an emblematic figure of French Song, an artist who left her mark on the latter part of the Twentieth Century. There is no shortage of superlatives to introduce her: a role model in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés cabarets since the late forties, the muse of countless artists and intellectuals, a fashion icon and ambassador of the French art of living. This album brings together the great live performances of Chanson Française's Grande Dame, all of which were recorded in Paris during her golden age and feature riveting renditions of her repertoire: Brel, Ferré, Brassens, Trenet and Desnos. The Live in Paris collection by Michel Brillié allows listeners to hear previously unreleased recordings (made at concerts and private- or radio-sessions) by the great 20th stars in jazz, rock & roll and song. These "live" takes, and the artists' rapport with their audiences, gives these performances an additional soul and sensibility in counterpoint to the rigorous demands of studio recordings. Particular care was taken when restoring the sound of these tapes in order to meet album standards while preserving the original colors of the period.