CD, Vintage France

Several generations of musicians continue to find inspiration in songs that were first popularized in the early to mid-1900s. Over the last 100 years, the French chanson tradition has undergone a process of evolution, yet retained an inimitable charm.

On Vintage France, sultry songstresses such as the iconic Juliette Gréco (singing the Belle Époque beauty “La Valse Brune”) and Madeleine Peyroux (with a cheeky renewal of Serge Gainsbourg’s “La Javanaise”) join newcomers Francesca Blanchard (“Sous le Ciel de Paris”) and Dutch jazz harmonica whiz Martijn Luttmer (“Les Parapluies de Cherbourg”). Old master Norbert Slama’s swinging “Nany,” is full of Gypsy jazz energy and retro warmth, and demonstrates the connection between Paris of the 1940s when Slama first performed, and the vibrant French music scene of today.

Though echoing the past, Vintage France proves how alive classic French chanson remains. Fans of Piaf and Gainsbourg, or new listeners looking for an introduction to France’s classic gems, will find exactly what they are looking for on Vintage France. Special French 75 cocktail recipe included.