Half the Perfect world...
It has been said "Madeleine Peyroux doesn't simply interpret
songs, she processes them...and vice visa." Peyoux is either an old soul or was "born with it." Of course, depending on one's theory about the flash point of artistry. With the release of her third album, "Half the Perfect World", she delivers a remarkably knowing note of work in which the 32 year old singer brought commensurate insight to material associated with Billie Holiday.
Peyroux's floating, Georgian-inflected alto, gives her that core 'soul' and melting Mona Lisa voice, adding jazzy and poetic readings, with a bit of grassroots' blues to boot! When one listens to her sing "I'm Alright," (a song she confided was autobiographical), her personal history comes through loud and clear. It has often been said that she embraces her Southern roots, but found it was The City of Lights where she found her voice, always adding her own unique style. Perfect examples are her makeover of so many great artists: Johnny Mercer's "The Summer Wind," Leonard Cohen's "Blue Alert," Joni Mitchell's "River," Serge Gainsbourg "La Javanaise," are among my personal favorites, along with Charlie Chaplin's "Smile."
Peyroux demonstrated with the release of her debut album, Dreamland, (at the tender age of 22), a remarkable maturity to material associated with the best of jazz and blue artist, influenced by the decade the Georgia-born Peyroux spent living in Paris. In the ten years since then, she has brought a wealth of life experience to her natural ability, first manifested on the long-in-coming sophomore album, Half the Perfect World.
In this writer's opinion Peyroux is an artist who channels vintage jazz and blues with a pin-point accuracy. One music critic described her artistry as "a lovely amalgam of Bilie Holiday and a Parisian Cafe Chanteuse." I would add her voice is smoothing, melancholic and mesmerizing!
Madeleine Peyroux's concert dates next year are mostly international, with two exceptions: Atlanta and Santa Barbara.
Come March 3, 2007, you'll find me in a seat at The Atlanta Symphony Hall to hear this remarkably talented artist perform live...I can't wait!
Links:
Madeleine Peyroux: http://www.madeleinepeyroux.org
Billie Holiday: http://www.billie-holiday.net/
Edith Piaf: http:// www.eithpiaf.com/
*Editor's note: Due to technical difficulties I was unable to link
any of her songs & download other pictures, so the reader could have the pleasure to listen to this artist directly. I will try later...I promise!!
Cover of 'Half a Perfect World'
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Comments: 42
Excellent review. Thank you. I'll have to check out the album. Sounds like just my cup of tea. If Ms. Peyroux is even half as enchanting as the picture you paint I may have to join you in Atlanta.
I just received her other two albums from Amazon this very morning.
Very good writing, Madame Mozie! I can't wait to listen to her!! Salud,
Gather, asked me to write on her...and, I truly fall in love with her voice & range.
I ordered who two other CD's they arrived today...I am totally awe struck by her.
It is so good to see that you are back. I miss you!! ((((Madame Mozie)))))
The only place I dare to sing is in the shower...If you like jazz & the blues, I urge you to get this CD and then like me you want to go get the other two. And, perhaps get tickets to hear her in Santa Barbara. Then, we both we write about experiencing her in a live performance I in Atlanta and you in Calif. Something to think about. Eh?
I went to Barnes and Noble today and listened to some samples from the album. Great stuff. I especially liked the song she sings in French (don't recall the title). Magnifique! I'll be acqiring it soon. I was interested to learn that 8 years passed between her first and second albums.
Here's a recommendation for you. I don't know if you've heard of them, but a group called Pink Martini, from Portland, OR, does some great retro cocktail lounge type music. Check them out. I think you'll be pleased.
Paul G. Thanks, I do know of Pink Martini, they also are wonderful.
As far as the gap between Peyroux's *debut* album and the second one I think it had a lot with her maturity level & what direction she was taking her many talents...then, she (or he found her!). Record producer, Larry Klein he produced her last two album's and I'm quite she will be with her for a long, long time. Great question!
Don't you love the idea she is from the South and made her *debut* record at 22 years young!! Amazing...I am going to Atlanta to see her perform live in March. I will do another review on her then.
This young lady can sing!!
Kathy, She is going to be known imho about the greats in jazz...check her out.
on myspace or amazon.
Heather, Thank you! As stunning as this young women is...her talents are amazing. A true gift from the heavens!
I really liked this well written and incisive musical portrait of Ms. Peyroux' work. I will have to find her music on the Internet now.
Maureen, it is so good to see you again.
I'll have to check out her music. Thanks!
It's nice to be back...especially, to know that you are well & healthy! We who hold you close to our hearts are very bless that our prayers have been heard. ox, Mo-zy
BTW: I love your name Layla. I also love Clapton and love his song 'Layla.' Whenever, I go to visit your site I smile and think about (many years ago) the evening I spent in London attending Clayton's concert...yes, he sang 'Layla!'
I can't wait!Thanks for the visit...Happy Holidays.
smoothing & lovely! Wishing you & yours the Happiest of the Holiday season.
Blessings! Mo-zy
I gave this a 10 !