Search - Various Artists :: Enchante: Great French Stars 1927-1947

I was indeed enchanted

J. C Clark | Overland Park, KS United States | 01/11/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While every track individually is not a five star killer, the overall assemblage sure is. ASV has sold me many CDs over the years, each a blend of stuff I love and stuff I hate. But nothing on this package falls into the latter category. After starting with a very familiar Chevalier tune, it moves from the tremendously famous to the more obscure with grace and wit. I was smiling, laughing, and enjoying throughout.



Thankfully, it includes the biggest names of the era, in some very representative performances. And with just the right number of tracks. Two from the well-known folks, three from the voice of Paris, and a single performance from lesser, though still fine, singers. Often anthologizers want to share their particular favorites and correct history by slighting big names for smaller ones. Not here. Listen to "Boum!" and tell me you aren't cheered by Trenet's charm and wit. Listen to "La vie en rose" and tell me you cannot understand why Piaf was the toast of Paris. Savor Jean Sablon and tell me you can't smell the strong coffee and cigarettes. Utterly of their time and place, yet eternal as well. These are performances that will last for as long as people enjoy life. But hurry; looking at the ASV web site it appears this anthology may be disappearing. Living Era has been purchased, and how long these treasures will be available is certainly a question."