Jill Barber - Chansons (2013)

Jill Barber released her album Mischievous Moon last year, and now the Canadian songstress has shifted her focus to singing cover tunes in a different language. Her latest disc is called Chansons, and it will be out on January 29 through Outside Music.
The album consists of 12 covers of francophone songs originating from both Quebec and France. Barber curated the collection herself. It was produced and arranged by Drew Jurecka, who also worked on Baber's last couple of albums
"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 enamoured 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."
The collection reportedly ranges from slow and sultry material to more playful numbers. For a taste Barber's francophone singing, listen to the single "Sous Le Ciel De Paris" (made famous by dith Piaf) below.
This fall, Barber will be playing a number of shows in Canada, but the focus of these sets is her Mischievous Moon material rather than the French covers. Her 11/25 show in Vancouver will consist of Hank Williams covers. Scroll past the Chansons tracklist to see the tour schedule.