Italian-born yet eternally French-identified singer and star of stage and screen
Yves Montand
was a consort and performing partner of
Edith Piaf
's who also appeared with
Marilyn Monroe
and
Barbra Streisand
. In 2007,
Saga All Stars
released a 16-track collection of recordings he made in 1948 and 1949. Decorated with a zoom-lens close-up of his accomplished mouth, this delightful album works well as an introduction to
Montand
's patented postwar persona. He was a debonair interpreter of popular song whose friendly delivery invited comparison with
Charles Trenet
. On these recordings,
sang with a quintet led by pianist
Bob Castella
. The other players were accordionist
Freddy Balta
, guitarist
Henri Crolla
, bassist
Emmanuel Soudieux
, and clarinetist
Hubert Rostaing
, a brilliant improviser who made his best records with Gypsy swing guitarist
Django Reinhardt
. ~ arwulf arwulf