Jill Barber - Chansons (2013) [Hi-Res]

The album 'Chansons' features her own interpretations of classic French songs from both France and Québec. Jill meticulously curated the repertoire herself, selecting material from a long list of over thirty songs, drawn both from her own collection, and from recommendations from friends within the Francophone community. There are 12 covers of classic French songs from Québec and France, including songs by Edith Piaf, Serge Gainsbourg, and Charles Aznavour.

'On her sixth album, Canadian chanteuse Jill Barber takes you to Paris with a layover in Montréal. Chansons is a collection of Barber’s favourite French and Québécois songs from the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Clean arrangements and warm tones create a rich ambience that Barber brings to life with soulful delivery. You hang on every word and every note as the songs draw you into their world and the story unfolds before your eyes. Her French is so exquisite, it’s hard to believe she’s been speaking the language for less than five years. After her last tour, Barber enrolled in a French immersion course before recording Chansons. There’s a nice flow to the album even as the tempo, mood, and subject change from slow and melancholy (“Melancolie”) to breathy and sweeping (“La Javanaise”) to playful and bright (“Sous le Ciel de Paris”). The latter was a hit in 1954 for Edith Piaf, who Barber cites as a major inspiration, and the closing song “Adieu Foulards” dates back to the 1700s. Chansons is authentic, delightful, and leaves you wanting more.' (Broose Tulloch, Stylus Magazine)

'I spent time with the songs. I strolled the streets with Aznavour, I sat in a sidewalk cafe with Piaf, poured a stiff drink with Gainsbourg, and I became absolutely enamored and inspired by French music in the process,' Barber said in a statement. 'Singing in French has been like rediscovering my voice, my instrument. The French language, particularly when sung, is very beautiful to me. It is a great pleasure for me to sing, and I think that enjoyment comes through.' (Jill Barber)

Jill Barber, vocals
Richard Whiteman, piano
Nathan Hiltz, guitar
Jesse Barksdate, guitar
Adam Warner, percussion
Chendy León, percussion
Joe Phillips, bass
Bryden Baird, trumpet
Drew Jurecka, saxophones, accordion, violin, bass clarinet
Michael Davidson, vibraphone
Jay Danley, Tres Cubano