Buskers of the Day, Franglais; An Audio Postcard for the Ages
- Nov 11, 2014
- 2 min read
Some years ago, my son and I spent a summer in France. It was one of those moments that stay frozen in time; like a favorite movie that keeps replaying in heart and head. My son, then 16 had yet to enter that stage, where exasperated sighs would escape through clenched teeth and eyes would roll at the very sound of the parental voice. We drank cappuccino, gorged on pastries, traveled and reveled in all that is French. That was 10 years ago, and as I sit at Starbucks in my City by the Bay, I can’t help but be swept away on notes of nostalgia as the music of Franglais drifts through my headphones. If part of the magic of music, is to transport you, to give feelings where words stop, then this 13 track CD, by St. Louis street performers extraordinaire, delivers an audio postcard for the ages, which is relentlessly endearing and provocative at the same time.
Un Grand Bonhuer—(A Great Happiness) is everything you remember from old movies, a soundtrack of strolling by Parisian cafes on the banks of the Seine. The songs are lovingly and stylishly recreated for the CD; simultaneously familiar and new. The familiarity stems from the fact that they are covers; and this is also the biggest challenge. Everyone loves Summertime, Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Lover, Come Back to Me! So you better nail it. The good news is that Seltzer’s voice is rich enough to re-animate these standards in show-stopping renditions and the guitar work of Ben Woods makes the songs their own. In a word; Franglais nailed it.
Franglais is a swinging, jazzy, French brew, which may sound contradictory at first glance, but, is no surprise. French music and jazz often enjoyed a special creative exchange from the beginning of the 1900’s to around the mid-sixties. Modern French composers were particularly embracive of the Black jazz sound, and conversely, American jazz musicians, had an affinity for French musical impressionism.
The quartet, Franglais, is brought to life by guitarist/arranger, Ben Woods, lead guitarist, Justin Lees, violinist Piruz Partow and featuring atmospheric vocals of Eve Seltzer. Their sound is impeccable and stylish, which should be no surprise with things such as Berklee College of Music, Tufts, Hobart, opening for Nina Simone and studying with Pulitzer Prize Composer and Dorsey Band bassist, Nicholas V. D’Angelo, as small parts of their collective resumes. And like true artists of past and present, they take their craft to the streets and present it to the world’s largest, most unbiased audience. They are buskers.
Spend some time exploring this CD, and new treasures keep popping out. Summertime is a sprawling tune, encompassing soundscapes that deliver an extra jolt. The string work is nothing short of hypnotizing. It is sly and delightful.
Boulevard of Broken Dreams is impressive in its emotional range; particularly the skatting riff by Seltzer. Tackling the greats, such as Edith Piaff—(in French), is no easy task; however, Franglais does so with surprisingly ‘juke-jointy’ results.
The album is both savvy and romantic; laced with guitar gold and billowing vocals. A perfect ensemble for themed parties or jazz inspired brunches; the CD is sure to be a hit with any music lover. Stuff it in a holiday stocking today.
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