Charles Aznavour Albums (24)
'Bon Anniversaire Charles: Live au Palais des Congres 2004'
Release Date 4/4/2005
Tracks 25
Label EMI/Capitol
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'Insolitement Votre'
Release Date 1/1/2005
Tracks 19
Label EMI France
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What The Critics Say
In the wake of his popular American performances of the mid-'60s, which introduced his talents to an English-speaking audience, Charles Aznavour recorded this English-language LP for the monumental label in 1969. His French songs have been translated into English here with uneven results. Aznavour sometimes struggles with the phrasing of lines awkwardly rendered into the English idiom; however, he is capable of overpowering the stray clunker lines and ultimately applies his unique Maurice Chevalier-meets-Sinatra cabaret finish to the affair, most evident on the spacious ballad "We'll Drift Away," the forceful "I'll Go on Loving Her," the delicate sincerity of "Love Is New Every Day," and the gut-busting wail of "Somewhere." This is a guy who sings it like he means it. Musically the tunes range from big band broilers to tender ballads and European cabaret pop. While the phrasing isn't as mellifluous as Aznavour's French and Spanish lyrics, the material is solid and the album amply serves English-speaking audiences who want an introduction to this singular European talent. ~ Jim Esch, All Music Guide
'Aznavour 2000: Live Au Palais Congres'
Release Date 4/17/2001
Tracks 32
Label Alcinter
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'Aznavour Live: Palais des Congres 97/98'
Release Date 6/20/2000
Tracks 36
Label Angel
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What The Critics Say
The double-disc set Aznavour Live: Palais des Congres was ostensibly recorded during 1997-98, though the first song is a duet between Aznavour and Edith Piaf (who died in 1963). That irregularity aside, Aznavour is in excellent voice, and the backing orchestra is able to translate the moods of many different kinds of material, from playful songs like Pierre Roche's "Le Feutre Taupé" to tender ballads like "Plus Bleu Que Tes Yeux." The sound quality is amazingly vivid too, and this Palais des Congres concert is one of the highlights of Aznavour's long career. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
'Aznavour Live: Olympia, 1978'
Release Date 1/1/1998
Tracks 20
Label EMI
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What The Critics Say
Singer and songwriter Charles Aznavour is a legend throughout the world for his particularly modern brand of French song. Not only do his only his many recordings attest to his longevity, but the evidence also lies in the plethora of songs covered by other artists. This live date is actually compiled from three days in June at Paris' famed Olympia Theatre, stage to Piaf, Brel, Trenier, Ferré, Patricia Kaas, Maurice Chevalier, and many others. The program is basically a 20-tune run-though of Aznavour's hits and favorites, all either written or co-authored by him. Opening the disc is a rather frivolous "Le Chanson du Fauborg," but it's a canard; it's simply a lead-in to the bittersweet ballad "Ne T'en Fais Pass," in which Aznavour pours out his silk heart for the first time of the evening. It's full of those long, sweeping lines where the words are merely a series of held notes and the effect is chilling. The orchestra, conducted by Peter Lee, does a thoroughly modern yet very elegant job of keeping balances and performances to script. There is little break between tunes, save for a smattering of applause as Aznavour, the master of milking a crowd, without introductions, just lets the honey flow: "Par Gourmandaise," "Avant la Guerre," "Comme il Dissent," "La Boheme," "Les Deaux Guitars," "Et Moi dans Mon Coin," and of course, "Les Amours Médicales." There are more, but fans of the singer will know these are obvious crowd-pleasers worked into a dynamic set that shows off all of Aznavour's considerable abilities. The other tracks here aren't forgettable, they just don't stand out in their dramatic presentations the way these do. For a late date, Aznavour is in fine control of his vocals and his material. Highly recommended. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide
