"Ruggedly, Gallically handsome, actor Yves Montand was actually of Italian ancestry (born Ivo Livi, in 1921). He became nationally famous just as the Second World War engulfed Europe, and his star rose steadily during the war years. The patronage of diva Edith Piaf made a huge difference - she chose him to open her shows in 1944 and pushed his film career along, so that by the postwar period he was poised to become one of France's leading celebrities. This excellent 2-CD set gathers together some of his earliest work, opening with lively swing-oriented material straight out of the Charles Trenet stylebook, and gradually settled into a more staid - even corny - romantic style. The big band/pop vocals arrangements support Montand's immense warmth and charismatic confidence. This is a top-notch collection of some of his best early work, and a great introduction to his career, particularly for those who are looking for some of his livelier material."
By Joe SIXPACK - SLIPCUE.COM
By Joe SIXPACK - SLIPCUE.COM
