Claire Freedman Georges Dragon

Released 90 years after he was born and 30 years after his death, Inégrale / Le Temps Ne Fait Rien À L'Affaire is a comprehensive 19-disc collection that contains everything any hardened George Brassens fan could possibly want. Featuring a colossal 330 remastered tracks, the unique box set includes 14 original studio albums, a compilation of live performances, and two discs' worth of previously unpublished rarities and demos alongside posthumous material recorded with the help of Jean Bertola.

One of French pop's most poetic songwriters, Georges Brassens was also a highly acclaimed and much-beloved performer in his own right. Not only a brilliant manipulator of language and a feted poet in his own right, Brassens was also renowned for his subversive streak, satirizing religion, class, social conformity, and moral hypocrisy with a wicked glee. Yet beneath that surface was a compassionate concern for his fellow man, particularly the disadvantaged and desperate. His personal politics were forged during the Nazi occupation, and while his views on freedom bordered on anarchism, his songs expressed those convictions more subtly than those of his contemporary, Léo Ferré. Though he was a skilled songwriter, Brassens had little formal musical training, and he generally kept things uncomplicated – simple melodies and spare accompaniment from a bass and second guitar. Along with Jacques Brel, he became one of the most unique voices on the French cabaret circuit, and exerted a tremendous influence on many other singers and songwriters of the postwar era. His poetry and lyrics are still studied as part of France's standard educational curriculum.

One of French pop's most poetic songwriters, Georges Brassens was also a highly acclaimed and much-beloved performer in his own right. Not only a brilliant manipulator of language and a feted poet in his own right, Brassens was also renowned for his subversive streak, satirizing religion, class, social conformity, and moral hypocrisy with a wicked glee. Yet beneath that surface was a compassionate concern for his fellow man, particularly the disadvantaged and desperate. His personal politics were forged during the Nazi occupation, and while his views on freedom bordered on anarchism, his songs expressed those convictions more subtly than those of his contemporary, Léo Ferré. Though he was a skilled songwriter, Brassens had little formal musical training, and he generally kept things uncomplicated – simple melodies and spare accompaniment from a bass and second guitar. Along with Jacques Brel, he became one of the most unique voices on the French cabaret circuit, and exerted a tremendous influence on many other singers and songwriters of the postwar era.

The album "Georges Prêtre - Saint-Saëns: Symphonies & La jeunesse d'Hercule" features the works of the French composer Camille Saint-Saëns, conducted by the esteemed French conductor Georges Prêtre. The album includes Saint-Saëns' symphonies, as well as "La jeunesse d'Hercule," a symphonic poem that explores the mythological themes of Hercules' youth. Georges Prêtre's interpretation is known for its depth and understanding of the French orchestral tradition, making this a noteworthy recording for fans of Romantic-era classical music.

Fresh Sound Records presents: Rare and Obscure Jazz Albums. A CD series created for the most discerning jazz collectors. Introducing the Tony Luis Trio
Pianist Tony Luis, born in Philadelphia in 1931, was stricken with infantile paralysis at the age of 12. Having the use of only two fingers on his right hand, he was advised by a physician that consistent exercise would help to strengthen them. This is when he first became interested in the piano. His conquest of this restriction was remarkable. By using a close piano style, he was able to achieve a captivating sound that is both relaxing and swinging. His trio created considerable enthusiasm in his hometown and its environs in the mid-50s and also distinguished themselves by accompanying singers such as Terry Morel and Teddi King. These are the only recordings available from this trio. Tony plays with percussive vigor, and on a song like “You’re Blasé,” he also showed a particularly relaxed ballad feel. His creativity is shown in “Un Poco Fresco,” one of his original compositions. Tony received excellent rhythmic support from bassist Ronny Andrews and drummer Hank Nanni, both displaying fine taste and imagination, combined with a beat that is warm, fresh, and swinging.