Search - Henri Salvador :: Jazze!

Essential Salvador --

mackjay | Cambridge, MA | 08/02/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Henri Salvador is not nearly as well-known in the US as he is in Europe. This may be because he mostly sings in French. But don't let any linguistic limitations stop you from hearing this great singer. His song choices (including many self-written) tend to be very good, so the material is always strong and appealing. The arrangements--particularly on 'Jazze'--are colorful and musically effective. Salvador's voice was superb during his prime (he still sounds good today!) in the 1950s when this album was recorded. Fans of Chet Baker should find a lot to like here. Salvador has a similar intimate quality in his singing, and he emphasizes the main melody at all times. This is a uniquely Euro-flavored kind of jazz singing. It conjures up images of summer days along the Mediterranean coast. Highlights on this album: "Sarah", "Petite Fleur", "Chiche", "Barbarie", but there are no weak spots. It may be expensive, but this album is more than worth the trouble of attaining."