Lucien Ginsburg (1928-1991) started as a rebellious jazz musician and crooner in Paris nightclubs, evolving into the widely known performer and provocateur Serge Gainsbourg. His songs, permeated with humour, erotism, subversion and wordplay, have made him one of the most influential performers in the world. Brussels Jazz Orchestra presents a tribute to this icon of French music, together with the French singer Camille Bertault.
Serge Gainsbourg is a figure who still inspires, fascinates, triggers and provokes. For this project, 12 songs by Gainsbourg were arranged by (friends of) BJO musicians, including the classics 'Je suis venu te dire que je m'en vais' and 'Couleur Café'. Brussels Jazz Orchestra was inspired by Gainsbourg's original songs, his much-discussed personality and the unparalleled influence he had on French music as a musical chameleon (with roots in jazz). The album leaves plenty of room for improvisation and does not shy away from elaborate arrangements.
The French singer Camille Bertault moves impressively and sensually over the musical playing field, between jazz, chanson and humour, making her the dream soloist to interpret Gainsbourg’s work with vocal virtuosity and enticing subtlety.
