Liner Note Author: Jacob Edgar.
Illustrator: Nicola Heindl.
Photographers: Claude Delorme; Jacques Aubert; Stan Wiezniak; George Gunnell; Antoine Le Grand ; Mephisto.
Translator: Karine LalŠch're.
Putumayo's first geographically based CD after their tenth anniversary celebrations, French Caf' covers the narrow concept of caf' music in an admirable manner, including a number of styles that have made their way through the Parisian caf' systems and/or are inspired by the work of previous artists among the caf' elite. Some of the classic performers from the Parisian scene are presented here, from the old Georges Brassens recordings, to a sultry little number from Brigitte Bardot, to the chanson innovator Serge Gainsbourg. Some of the more contemporary innovators on the market also appear here in force, from the jazzy Paris Combo, to the kicked-up string jazz of Sans'v'rino, to the smoother, half-dance music of Enzo Enzo. The album on the whole has a careful little bounce to it that's inherent in much of French contemporary music. It forces the listener to tap their feet, but not quite hard enough to force any dancing. It's this careful line that the music walks throughout the album. Vocals are expressive, but not so much that they scream emotion. It's all implied, but rarely given explicitly, and the music echoes this concept. There are certainly some omissions to be had here (Edith Piaf being perhaps the most notable), but on the whole Putumayo did a fine job in compiling the major styles and figures of the field. The album might be a little thin for those who are already devotees of the caf' atmosphere, but it makes for a fine introduction. ~ Adam Greenberg