A playlist from the good people at the Bureau Export UK
to ease us into the post-Christmas weekend.
The Bureau Export have been a source of encouragement and inspiration to this blog for many years, so thanks to them for all the help and for introducing me to some very fine music indeed.
Their Xmas 2014 playlist gives a pretty good round-up of some of the interesting things that have been going on in French music over the last 12 months, and it's an ideal playlist for a relaxed but switched on listen.
Enjoy!
Saturday, 27 December 2014
Friday, 26 December 2014
La Chorale des Montagnes: Mon Beau Sapin
Another Chistmas song? French Style? Why not!
France has not been immune to the rise of the popularity of the choir in recent years, this take on the traditional Christmas song being released last year.
André Manoukian, behind this release, is one of the four judges on France's version of Pop Idol Nouvelle Star and is the only judge who has been in the series since it began in 2003 until present.
His musical career has seen him work with artists from Charles Aznavour to Janet Jackson, having originally established himself with the production and songwriting work he did with Liane Foly in the 90s.
France has not been immune to the rise of the popularity of the choir in recent years, this take on the traditional Christmas song being released last year.
André Manoukian, behind this release, is one of the four judges on France's version of Pop Idol Nouvelle Star and is the only judge who has been in the series since it began in 2003 until present.
His musical career has seen him work with artists from Charles Aznavour to Janet Jackson, having originally established himself with the production and songwriting work he did with Liane Foly in the 90s.
Thursday, 25 December 2014
Joyeux Noel: Garou - Xmas Blues Medley 2014
A Christmas Day post, which I'm sure you'll be reading in the midst of the festive events.Needless to say, this post was put online in advance and timed to appear today. I'm sure you won't mind.
This year's high-profile star to release a Christmas collection is Garou, with his It's Magic collection.
It's the Canadian's ninth album, released earlier this month, and it offers a blues flavoured take on the festive favourites, in French and in English.
From Vive le Roq, hope you're having a great Christmas.
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Charles Trenet: Chanson pour Noël
Another archive French Christmas hit, this time by Charles Trenet, one of France's most famous singers of the 20th century.
The song was originally released in 1956.
Trenet is probably best known for his hit La Mer, which became known to an English speaking audience under the title Beyond The Sea.
His career, however, began before the Second World War, eventually retiring from singing in 1975.
He however returned in 1981, making occasional re-appearances and recordings, and album emerging in 1999 entitled Les poètes descendent dans la rue.
He eventually died in 2001, a true legend of old school French chanson.
The song was originally released in 1956.
Trenet is probably best known for his hit La Mer, which became known to an English speaking audience under the title Beyond The Sea.
His career, however, began before the Second World War, eventually retiring from singing in 1975.
He however returned in 1981, making occasional re-appearances and recordings, and album emerging in 1999 entitled Les poètes descendent dans la rue.
He eventually died in 2001, a true legend of old school French chanson.
Tuesday, 23 December 2014
Mireille Mathieu: Noël d'Aubervillier
A Christmas song from Mireille Mathieu, legend of French song whose career since the early 60s has seen her sell over 120 million records around the world.
Last month she celebrated the 50th year of her career, releasing a 3CD best of collection.
The song comes from her 1968 collection of Christmas songs Le merveilleux monde de Mireille Mathieu chante Noël, which featured this and 11 others.
Last month she celebrated the 50th year of her career, releasing a 3CD best of collection.
The song comes from her 1968 collection of Christmas songs Le merveilleux monde de Mireille Mathieu chante Noël, which featured this and 11 others.
Monday, 22 December 2014
Trans Musicales de Rennes 2014: Video highlights
Tthe good folk at the Trans Musicales de Rennes 2014 did a pretty good job capturing in video what was going on over the course of several crazy days in the city.
Nice that the festival was filmed so extensively, and hats off to the team for turning around so much video so quickly.
I've still got quite a few acts that I missed to watch on video, and it's great to have that opportunity.
It gives a flavour of the extent of the events going on, from gigs to sessions, discussions to meetings.
It was a memorable weekend, and one with much to enjoy.
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Nice that the festival was filmed so extensively, and hats off to the team for turning around so much video so quickly.
I've still got quite a few acts that I missed to watch on video, and it's great to have that opportunity.
It gives a flavour of the extent of the events going on, from gigs to sessions, discussions to meetings.
It was a memorable weekend, and one with much to enjoy.
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Gaspard Royant: Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
Gaspard Royant was one of the many acts playing at the Bars en Trans event in Rennes this year.Although I didn't get along to his show, it was a good excuse to re-listen to his 10 hit wonder album that was issued earlier in 2014, and it's packed with sharp tunes.
Best of all, he's just released a Christmas song so given our current festive mood, what could be more perfect?
We're taking a few days off from the blog here over the next few days.
But I've programmed a few updates in advance so that blog won't be bare and there's still things happening here.
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