MICHEL LEGRAND レコード& CD

Review: Jazz legends Miles Davis and Michel LeGrand composed the soundtrack to Dingo 30 years ago, which is why this anniversary edition is now bing served up by Rhino on heavyweight red vinyl. It is the first repress since original rase in 1991 and Selections from the motion picture include one of Miles Davis' final filmed performances. There was a huge number of personnel involved in the album, with everything from woodwind to French horn, keys, bass and trumpet to sax, drums and percussion all involved in making it a rich tapestry of stylish and evocative jazz.

Review: Michel Legrand's first homage to the capital was I Love Paris in 1954, which became a bestseller in the US, sparking a trend towards albums of music from the 'continent'. It is a musical portrait of the Paris of the '50s. Legrand combines 16 songs (LP-1) into a kind of suite, starting with church bells ringing on a square and a musical round trip through the city. His orchestra is in good shape while working on French music favourites, such as Edith Piaf's "La Vie En Rose" and "Hymn to Love" and Charles Trenet's "La Mer". The real highlights come when Legrand becomes postmodern with "The Poor People of Paris" performances and the Nat 'King' Cole classic 'Two Loves Have I".

Review: Michel Legrand was well known amongst hardcore jazz fans in the fifties but had little clout outside those inner circles. He wrote some esteemed scores such as The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, Summer of '42 and The Thomas Crown Affair and so had some major label finds in high places Using those contacts, he called upon a frankly astonishing array of talent to help him record his own unique versions of 11 jazz standards including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Herbie Mann, Donald Byrd and more. This is a proper reissue which has been freshly re-mastered with exquisite results. The the meticulously recreated outer sleeve comes as a gatefold and heightens the whole package.

Review: Sarah Vaughan with Michel Legrand is a brilliant collaboration that showcases the remarkable talents of two iconic artists. Released in the 1970s, this album captures Vaughan's stunning vocal ability, supported by Legrand's masterful arrangements and direction. The lush orchestration complements Vaughan's voice, elevating her performances to new heights. From the opening track, 'The Summer Knows', you thrown into a world of romance, nostalgia, and pure musical excellence. Legrand's compositions, like 'What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?' and 'Once You've Been in Love', are transformed into unforgettable vocal pieces through Vaughan's unique interpretations. Her emotive delivery breathes life into each song, with every note feeling personal and deeply moving. The recording has a timeless, studio feel and the chemistry between Vaughan and Legrand is palpable. Their synergy is particularly striking in tracks like '(Brian's Song) The Hands of Time', where her voice and his arrangement intertwine beautifully. This album, once a hidden gem, stands as one of the finest examples of a singer and composer working in perfect harmony.