Michel Legrand - "Eva" OST, Album, Limited Edition, Vinyl, 2016 (Doxy Cinematic)

Joseph Losey's first choice for a composer for his film "Eva" was Miles Davis.  That didn't happen, but his second choice, and a friend of Miles,  Michel Legrand, did a magnificent score to the film.  Legrand makes large gestures within his arrangements.  There are usually other melodies within the big melody, and it's very much like an overactive mind at work.   This 1962 film, starring Jeanne Moreau,  is a seductive tale of seduction and desire, which makes it a perfect canvas for Legrand to work his magic on. 

I first discovered the soundtrack through the medium of the CD, and it was issued and made in Japan.  I bought my copy at a Shibuya swanky pop-up shop within the Paco shopping complex in Tokyo.  Legrand and Tokyo is a good fit, as well as, of course, Paris.  There's two Billie Holiday cuts here as well.  "Loveless Love" and "Willow Weep For Me."  It fits the mood of the film, but also a nice little treat in the Legrand world.  

This release is a limited edition of 500.  Not impossible to find, but not the easiest as well.  Doxy Cinematic is a very interesting label, that focuses on soundtrack music that has fallen in the cracks of copyright issues.  Often being a limited release is a technique to get through any legal issues. Nevertheless, Doxy does great reissues or even albums that technically exist such as "Eva."  I believe the soundtrack came out in 1962 as a 7" EP release.   And as I mentioned before, Legrand is always a treat.  

Michel Legrand - "Play for Dancers" Vinyl LP (Philips) 1964

What I have is the U.S. version that is called "Michel Legrand Plays For Dancers"  It is known in France as "Archi-Cordes" and in other parts of Europe as "Violent Violins."  Which the latter is actually description of this classic Legrand album.   Once you hear "Di-Gue-Ding-Ding" you never forget it.  The song will be grilled in your head till the day you die.  Which, with this particular song, is a very good thing.   The whole album is fantastic, and the U.S. cover is mis-reading the album.  One would think it will be just an album of tunes that one can do the Wobble, or Hully Gully and of course the Shimmy - but in fact, this is a recording made by Legrand that has his best work as an arranger.  The violent strings are biting and the rest of the album is almost electronic in its feel and behavior.  More Joe Meek than Henry Mancini and with a great deal of the Legrand melodies and presence.   Sound - wise it's a witty piece of work as well.  There are arrangments that will make one smile, just by its aural possiblities.  An unique album and one of Michel Legrand's greatest works.