Gigi French – Cannelle
Giselle is just too charming on the cover of the album, holding a cigarillos in a stunning red dress, while pouting like a french star. The cover alone can make you excited even before listening to the disc. However, it should be noted that Giselle’s thick accent might rattle you at first. I must confess to having difficulty understanding her words at the beginning. Nevertheless, once the shock has passed, a certain freshness emanates from her album. Her husky voice combined with her English accent adds a certain charm to her opus. Her performance is tinged with a touch of madness, reminiscent of a jazzy Amanda Palmer.
Musically, the album is very strong, working with several talented musicians including members from “The United Steel Workers of Montreal”. While listening to the album, you will notice that the use of the cello is very strong in the album as are the use of the percussion and the saxophone. You can clearly feel that Giselle had fun creating this album. Whatever you are doing while you listen to the album, at work, making dinner or playing games at the partypoker website, this happiness really radiates from the music and is likely to rub off on you. Her staccato phrasing on the song “jolies mélodies” is totally joyful. She even abruptly interrupts the end of the song with what sounds like a lively discussion in the kitchen with her musicians. A male voice shouts: “Always leave them wanting more” which sums up nicely the feeling one has while listening to the album.
A Zen atmosphere transcends on the song ”Expire”, contrasting with the rest of the album. She is very truthful when she sings: “si tu t’sens anxieux, c’est parce que t’as oublié d’expirer” (if you’re anxious, it’s because you forgot to breathe out). You almost feel like you’re in a yoga class, breathing deeply while repeating a mantra. The fast paced song “Je m’appelle mère” is really funny telling the setbacks of a mother wearing comfy clothes, while the baby keeps on crying. It’s with a touch of nostalgia that she compares the lives of single women having fun to that of mothers who don’t have a life anymore. If you like gypsy music like “Caravan Palace” and “La rue Kétanou, you will enjoy this album. – Nathalie Grand’Maison
The album is available online at: www.gigifrench.com
Key Tracks : “Je m’appelle mère”, “chat de 15 vies” and “cœur en feu”.
Rating: 8.6/10
Translated by Nathalie Grand’Maison
