Search - Dee Dee Bridgewater :: J'Ai Deux Amours

Certainement . . . C'est Une Belle CD!

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 12/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

""This album is my way of thanking France, a country that opened its arms to me. My time in this country has been one of healing, growth as a woman and artist, and a discovery of the rest of the world." ~ Dee Dee Bridgewater ~



First off, I would like to thank an Amazon friend and a remarkable reviewer for recommending this lovely CD, "J'ai Deux Amours" by Dee Dee Bridgewater. I greatly enjoyed listening to it in its entirety with a few repeats when I first listened to it. Merci Beaucoup, Monsieur!



Now, how do I love this CD? Let me count the ways . . . (with apologies to my favorite poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning).



Firstly, the inclusion of my all-time favorite "La Vie En Rose" sung in French. It reminds me of another great version that I adore - Grace Jones from the CD Island Life." From the 57 seconds intro showcasing layers and layers of harmonic sophistication to the very last notes of exotic rhythms, this version is one of the most beautiful ever recorded. It evokes a funky and playful jazz spirit.



Secondly, Ms. Bridgewater has an incredible vocal prowess as evident in her enchanting and absolutely breathtaking take on "La Belle Vie" sung in both French and English lyrics with pillowy arrangement. It has the sweetest and most powerful guitar work I have ever heard.



Thirdly, I'm totally smitten with "La Mer," which has the most charming Latin-flavored arrangement that presents a cool and marvelous listening delight with its French and English lyrics. You can hear the fabulous rumbles of percussions, accordion, drums and jazz guitar making the sound so infectiously fascinating.



Fourthly, some of the best tracks that deserve special mention are her gorgeous renditions of "Que Reste-t Il De Nos Amour" and "Les Feuilles Mortes." They evoke warm and sentimental feeling that goes straight to your heart and soul.



Fifthly, the musicianship is excellent! You can hear those commanding chops on accordion by Marc Berthoumieux, drums and percussions by Minimo Garay, guitar by Louis Winsberg, bass by Ira Coleman, and guest guitarist Patrick Manougian on tracks nine and ten.



Lastly, since this is my very first Dee Dee Bridgewater CD, listening to it is like unwrapping a Christmas present. You never really know what to expect. The novelty will never wear off. I would certainly check out her other recordings. She's now in my list of all-time favorite jazz singers.



Thanks to Ms. Bridgewater and her crew of talented musicians for a fine and lovely CD!



Totalement recommandé!"