Francis Iles

Holger Falk and Steffen Schleiermacher once again prove to be the ideal interpreters of this multi-faceted music: from the smoky nightclub of the "Rue Chagrin", past the synagogue, left at the children's playground and over the cotton fields of America with hints of the blues - this is great art in a small form. In their touching simplicity, some of Germaine Tailleferre's pieces are reminiscent of nursery rhymes.

Gombo (Gumbo) is the most typical Louisiana dish. Comprised of a host of ingredients and derived from many traditions, gombo is the product of and a symbol for the multi-ethnic culture of Louisiana. Gombo is Zachary Richard's 21st studio album in a career spanning 45 years. The songs run the gamut from the festive Louisiana influenced Zydeco Jump / Dans les grands chemins / Catherine, Catherine / Pop the Gator to the more reflective La ballade de l'exlcu / Au bal du Bataclan. A passionate student of Louisiana history, Zachary's songs are inspired by the often difficult and ever compelling history of the Bayou State : Manchac / Jena Blues. Devoted to the survival of the French language culture of North America, Zachary pays tribute to far flung French communities : La ballade du Irving Whale (Les Îles de la Madeleine) La ballade d'Émile Benoît (Newfoundland) La Saskatchewan (Saskatchewan). There are love songs: Sweet little darling of mine / Somebody calling and a song which examines the nature of romantic love : It might be love. There are two remarkable duets : Catherine, Catherine, written and performed with the remarkable Québec singer Robert Charlebois and the magnificent anthem of hope Fais briller ta lumière, performed with African super-star Angélique Kidjo.

Un talent à part dans le monde de la chanson française, un artiste culte. Riche d'un univers musical sombre et mystérieux, auteurcompositeur de génie, Gérard Manset préfère le travail en solitaire, loin du public et des médias. Devenu star malgré lui, il fuit le métier pour voyager et découvrir de nouvelles inspirations. Un artiste complet, exigeant avec lui-même, dont l'oeuvre est reconnue par ses pairs. Une anthologie en 19CD, 185 titres, de nombreux titres rares et jamais réédités en CD.