On this gorgeous CD, Janet Seidel sings a beautiful collection of songs with a French influence, including a good dose of Michel Legrand, Johnny Mercer and many others. An almost Doris Day touch to her vocal delivery sets this album up as superb lounge style listening and definitely an excellent choice for cocktails, dinner, or late night romance.
Nice to hear familiar, but now rarely performed, movie theme classics such as A Man and A Woman, The Summer of 42, Windmills of your Mind, I Will Wait for You and others. In fact some of these tunes are not usually heard with the lyric at all, and when Seidel sings them in her sensuous French they come to life again in an even more delectable way.
Other songs are sung in English or sometimes both languages and include C’est si Bon, And the Angels Sing, I Wish You Love, These Foolish Things and lots more.
Backing is provided tastefully by a small band headed up by Kevin Hunt on piano, harking back to early Nina Simone accompaniments and even the classic Ella and Louis sounds, ranging through cool swing, bossa nova and ballads.
Not to say that this album is a re-creation of those previous artists – it isn’t. Seidel and the band have established a fine and distinctive style of their own with this new release, and I urge all listeners interested in lounge, jazz and film scores to get a copy. It’s a lovely portrayal of some of the best songs ever written.
First published in Restaurant and Catering Australia magazine, Jan 2001
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