Jeanne Moreau’s charismatic performances in the films of French New Wave director Francois Truffaut made her one of France’s biggest stars of the 60s, kick-started by her mercurial role in the critically acclaimed Jules Et Jim. During the film, she performed a song which subsequently enjoyed huge success and prompted the idea for Moreau to record an album in 1963 with producer Jacques Canetti, featuring the songs of Cyrus Bassiak. It fared well enough for a follow-up in 1966, and both appear as part of Él’s delightfully adventurous and decidedly cinematic release programme of late. The debut album, Chante 12 Chansons De Cyrus Bassiak, was decorated with lush, elaborate (maybe even over-the-top) orchestrations, courtesy of George Delerue and Ward Swingle. The follow-up, Chante 12 Nouvelles Chansons De Bassiak, differed more markedly than its title implied, offering a more intimate setting – to be crude, more Julie London and less Shirley Bassey.
It’s not groundbreaking stuff but, for anyone captivated by her performances (take note of the overlooked The Bride Wore Black), this is a wonderful way to spend an hour.
