Juliette Greco: Le Temps d'Une Chanson (The Moment For A Song)

Acclaimed French chanteuse Juliette Greco's first album in three years features the crème de la crème of American jazz artists, including orchestral arrangements provided by Gil Goldstein. Moreover, Greco's husband, Gerard Jouannest, performs on piano while also scoring the piano arrangements. Throughout this endeavor she conveys lush sentiment and endearment within the context of each song (chanson). Comprised of works by luminaries Jacques Brel, Leo Ferré and others, Greco embodies the aura of French music rooted in Parisian love etudes, spiced with wistful accordion motifs and Goldstein's eloquent arrangements.

The late, great tenor saxophonist Michael Brecker alternates choruses with Greco during the heartwarming piece titled "Né Quelque Part. At times the music sparks remembrances of classic French cabaret, featuring movements constructed upon regal horns and a festive musical environs. Tenor saxophonist Joe Lovano provides a late-night, bluesy backdrop during "Syracuse. Then on "Un Jour Tu Verras, Wallace Roney's muted trumpet voicings parallel Greco's whispery vocalizations.

Flirtatious flutes engender a 1960s vibe, fitted with a modern uplift on the tune made famous by Dean Martin and The McGuire Sisters, "Volare. Greco sings "Over the Rainbow, in English via a seductive and dramatic interpretation, teeming with expressionistic attributes. In sum, it's a wonderfully attractive program that literally touches the heart and stimulates the soul. Greco's latest outing intimates that art in its various forms proclaims the lexis of our humanity.