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  | MADELEINE PEYROUX ~ HALF THE PERFECT WORLD
ROUNDER 602517032798 (Barcode: 602517032798) ~ USA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2006 Released: 2006
This is the 3rd album by American Jazz singer / songwriter Madeleine PeyrouxFind albums by this artist, recorded with a team of talented musicians, which included guitarist Dean ParksFind albums by this artist, keyboardists Sam YahelFind albums by this artist and Larry GoldingsFind albums by this artist, bassist David PiltchFind albums by this artist, drummer Lee BelleroseFind albums by this artist, a string quartet and many others. The album presents twelve tracks, four of which are her originals and the rest are covers of songs by such songwriters like Joni MitchellFind albums by this artist, Leonard CohenFind albums by this artist, Tom WaitsFind albums by this artist and others, all rearranged to fit her unique style.
Peyroux, who spent her teenager days singing Jazz and Blues standards on the street of Paris, where she lived at the time, acquired some European sensibilities, which helped to take the American music scene by a storm in the early 2000s. Her vocal style and charm are immediately recognizable and she obviously learned a lot from classic vocalists like Billie HolidayFind albums by this artist and Bessie SmithFind albums by this artist. This results in her transforming contemporary Pop and Rock songs into “imaginary” old-times classics, especially on her early albums, like this one.
In time I became quite fond of her voice and mannerisms and I revisit her albums occasionally, always having a great time. She should be appreciated for sticking to her aesthetic values and eschewing commercial temptations, despite her success, which is sadly almost never true in most cases of American singers.
Overall, this is a great trip back in time, revisiting the early days of Peyroux’s early career, which I always enjoy. This is a wonderful collection of great songs, which never disappoints and is always a welcome escape in gloomy days.
| | Updated: 09/02/2026Posted: 08/02/2026 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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