Amazon.com: Jazz à Saint Germain is a compilation of compelling jazz standards performed in tribute to the Parisian speakeasies that flourished during the German occupation in World War II. Espousing a free-spirited highlife as well as an existential and intellectual aesthetic, the French underground heartily embraced American jazz. Showcasing traditional styles as well as ambitious adaptations that reveal reggae, African, and even hip-hop influences, this collection is tasteful and eclectic. Angélique Kidjo's version of "Summertime" is gently evocative, as is Dee Dee Bridgewater's moving rendition of "Watermelon Man." The Jazz Passengers and Debbie Harry interpret "There Is No More Tomorrow," and French chanteuse François Hardy is joined by Iggy Pop for a version of "I'll Be Seeing You." With artists old and new, Jazz à Saint Germain is a vibrant, engaging affair. --Mitch Myers
Disc 1:
Summertime - Angelique Kidjo
Les Joyeux Bouchers - Catherine Ringer & The Renegade Brass Band
Lover Man - China
Watermelon Man - Dee Dee Bridgewater
I'll Be seeing You - Francoise Hardy & Iggy Pop
Il N'y A Plus D'apres - Jazz Passengers With Deborah Harry
La Javanaise - Jacky Terrasson
Black Coffee - Patricia Kaas
God Bless The Child - Princess Erika
Autuor De Minuit - Les Nubians
These Foolish Things - Jane Birkin With Jimmy Rowles
Escape to Paris The music on this CD is excellent. Beautifully paired, you will feel like you are feasting on a cafe au lait and brioche in Paris.
Delightful Music This album is a delight. I got it three weeks ago and have played it every day, along with both Pink Martini albums. I usually listen to jazz, but also enjoy world music. This is very different. Makes me want to dance; makes me happy. It also makes me sentimental, as I do remember some of these songs when I was growing up. It's eclectic but appeals to a wide range of ages. It would be great music to play for a party. I highly recommend it. You won't be disappointed.
Disappointing I got this because I like jazz and Pink Martini. I'm pretty disappointed. I guess I was expecting something different. I'm not that thrilled with the vocalists. The arrangements strike me as odd. Several tracks are a lot more electronic than I was expecting. I was shooting for something more natural and recreative of a scratchy Paris-in-the-50s jazz album.
Voila This is a mixture of old standards with a twist, fresh funky beats, with a touch of early French radio. I hadn't set to purchase this CD, but it was recommended. As it turns out I liked this selection and wished that I had not wasted money on my original selection. Jazz A Saint Germain has a couple of songs that I can do without, but overall I liked it.
Entertaining and offbeat Sometimes you feel this CD is channeling the 40s and 50s, and sometimes it seems to be deconstructing the period and its sound, but it's almost always fun to listen to. I admit I needed time to warm up to it, but track 2 blew me away the first time I really paid attention to the bloodthirsty lyrics set to a funky death march. As a francophone, I enjoy it when I'm in the mood for hearing French, though Patricia Kaas or Paris Combo offer more subtle and sophisticated visions, if you can use that term for song. My only complaint is Debbie Harry's abominable French accent and her Ohio-flat American "r" spoiling a lovely song. I love her, am an old Blondie fan, but girlfriend should stay away from singing French.
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