One of my favorite figures from the French cinema world, who also happens to be a great singer. To make a comparison, he reminds me of Bryan Ferry. Not his identity or characteristics, but his voice. Ferry singing other people songs naturally make it is own, due to the limitations and tone of his voice. Serge Reggiani is exactly the same. Reggiani doesn't do the American songbook but instead tackles the poetry of Jacques Prévert, Victor Hugo, Charles Baudelaire, and Louis Bessières. On "Poètes 1" it's bare music with a focus on the words. My inability to understand French may limit me the enjoyment of this album, but that's not fully the case here. Reggiani brings a sense of cool, but passion at the same time. There is a long tradition of making songs out of poetry in France, and Reggiani is one of the greats to take on this medium. There is "Chanson De Maglia" with music by Serge Gainsbourg. How great is it to hear music with credit: written by Victor Hugo and Serge Gainsbourg. I have three other albums by Serge Reggiani that features more Gainsbourg, but also Boris Vian material. Reggiani is one of my favorite vocalists. And not a bad actor!
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